Portuguese Liberal Wars

The death of João VI in 1826 created a dispute over the Portuguese succession and the constitutional settlement of the kingdom. Pedro IV granted a constitutional charter and transferred the crown to his daughter Maria II, while his brother Miguel returned as regent and then claimed the throne for an absolutist regime.

The political crisis became civil war in 1828. Miguelite forces controlled most of mainland Portugal, while constitutionalists organised around Maria II and Pedro, drawing support from the Azores and from foreign volunteers and governments. The conflict ended in 1834 with Miguel’s defeat and exile and the restoration of Maria II.

Rumours of War places Matthew Hervey inside the opening succession crisis of 1826, before the rivalry develops into full civil war.