About Isabel I Isabel I, also called Isabel the Redemptress and de jure Empress Isabel I of Brazil (Portuguese: Isabel Cristina Leopoldina Augusta Micaela Gabriela Rafaela Gonzaga de Bragança; English: Elizabeth Christine Leopoldine Augusta Michaela Gabriella Raphaella Gonzaga of Braganza; 29 July 1846 – 14 November 1921), was the heir to the throne of Brazil bearing the title of Princess Imperial during the last decades of the reign of her father Pedro II and sometimes, she assumed the role of Regent.In the political history of Brazil she was the first woman to become the ruler during the post-colonial period. She acted as regent of Brazil three times while her father was absent from the country. In 1888 she signed the Golden Law establishing the total abolition of slavery in the Empire. For her pious character and her role in the abolition of slavery in Brazil, Pope Leo XIII bestowed the Golden Rose upon her. In 1889 the Brazilian military overthrew her father, Pedro II, along with the monarchy, ending her chance at a permanent succession upon the end of his reign. The royal family was sent into exile, however, after the end of the monarchy, she became the Head of the Brazilian Imperial House and de jure Empress of Brazil. She died on 14 November 1921 while living in Château d'Eu, France. At the time she and her family were preparing to return from exile to Brazil.