D. Maria I: A Mad Queen or a Misunderstood Monarch?

A Controversial Figure

D. Maria I, Queen of Portugal from 1777 to 1816, is a controversial figure in history. Some historians portray her as a madwoman who was unfit to rule, while others argue that she was a misunderstood monarch who was simply ahead of her time. In her book, "D. Maria I," Mary del Priore presents a balanced and nuanced view of this complex and fascinating queen.

A Difficult Childhood

D. Maria I was born in 1734 to King José I and Queen Mariana Victoria of Portugal. She was the eldest of four daughters, and her upbringing was marked by strict religious devotion and a lack of intellectual stimulation. As a result, she developed a deep-seated insecurity and a tendency to withdraw from social interactions.

An Unhappy Marriage

In 1760, D. Maria I married her uncle, Pedro III. The marriage was not a happy one, and Pedro III was often unfaithful to his wife. D. Maria I was deeply hurt by her husband's infidelity, and she became increasingly withdrawn and depressed.

A Time of Crisis

D. Maria I ascended to the throne in 1777, following the death of her father. Portugal was in a state of crisis at the time, and D. Maria I faced a number of challenges, including a war with Spain, a financial crisis, and a series of natural disasters.

A Controversial Reign

D. Maria I's reign was marked by a number of controversial decisions. She dismissed the Prime Minister, Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, who had been a powerful figure in Portuguese politics for over two decades. She also implemented a number of religious reforms, which angered many of her subjects.

A Mental Breakdown

In 1792, D. Maria I suffered a mental breakdown. She became increasingly paranoid and delusional, and she was eventually declared unfit to rule. Her son, João VI, became regent, and he ruled Portugal until her death in 1816.

A Complex and Fascinating Figure

D. Maria I is a complex and fascinating figure who has been both praised and condemned by historians. She was a deeply religious woman who was devoted to her country, but she was also a troubled individual who struggled with mental illness. Her reign was marked by a number of challenges, and she made some controversial decisions, but she also made some important contributions to Portuguese society.

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Portuguese History

Mary del Priore's book, "D. Maria I," is a must-read for anyone interested in Portuguese history. It is a well-researched and well-written biography that provides a balanced and nuanced view of this complex and fascinating queen.