He was the second and last monarch of the Empire of Brazil, having ruled the country for a period of 58 years. Born in the Imperial Palace of São Cristóvão, in Rio de Janeiro, he was the youngest son of Emperor Pedro I of Brazil and Empress Consort Maria Leopoldina of Austria, and therefore a member of the Brazilian branch of the House of Braganza. The abrupt abdication of his father and his departure for Portugal made Pedro emperor at just five years old. Forced to spend most of his time studying in preparation for reigning, he knew few moments of joy and friends his age. His experiences with palace intrigues and political disputes during this period had a major impact on the formation of his character. Emperor Pedro II became a man with a strong sense of duty and devotion to his country and people. On the other hand, he increasingly resented his role as monarch. He had the majority decreed to assume the government and avoid the disintegration of the Empire, having left to the republican successor a country characterized as an emerging power in the international arena. The nation distinguished itself from its Spanish-American neighbors due to its political stability and especially its form of government: a functioning constitutional parliamentary monarchy. Brazil was also victorious in three international conflicts (the Silver War, the Uruguayan War and the Paraguayan War) under its empire, as well as prevailing in other international disputes and domestic tensions. A scholar, the emperor established a reputation as a vigorous supporter of knowledge, culture, and the sciences. He gained the respect and admiration of scholars such as Graham Bell, Charles Darwin, Victor Hugo, and Friedrich Nietzsche, and was friends with Richard Wagner, Louis Pasteur, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, among others. Pedro II did not allow any measures against its removal and did not support any attempt to restore the monarchy. The deposed emperor spent the last two years of his life in exile in Europe, living alone. A few decades after his death, his reputation was restored and his remains were brought back to Brazil amid widespread celebrations.