What “Have They Been Whispering in Verses”? Popular Activism against D. Miguel and Relations Between Brazil and Portugal. Torres Vedras, 1828-1834

ABSTRACT The aim of this article is to point out the links between the history of Portugal and Brazil, in the aftermath of Brazil’s independency, from the reign of D. Miguel (1828-1834) to D. Pedro IV’s victory in civil war. One of the purposes is to emphasize the role played by common Portuguese people who were persecuted by the forces of D. Miguel. Regarding the sources, the starting point is the inquiry which took place in Torres Vedras, Portugal, to punish crimes of sedition against the king who had been acclaimed by the traditional courts. Afterwards the focus will be on the lawsuits filed against ordinary people who were charged defending the legitimate right of D. Pedro I to the Portuguese throne and the legitimacy of the constitution of 1826, that was signed by the king of Brazil and granted Portugal.