Final answer:
Brazil's independence was declared by Pedro I following his refusal of the Portuguese Cortes's order to return to Portugal. The country became independent through a declaration of independence and subsequent diplomatic efforts, maintaining a constitutional monarchy with Pedro I as its emperor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brazil became an independent country through a declaration of independence and diplomatic efforts. The event that precipitated Brazil's independence was the refusal of Pedro I to obey the Portuguese Cortes's order to return to Portugal in 1822. Brazil's path to independence involved Pedro declaring Brazil independent on September 7, 1822, and being acclaimed Constitutional Emperor and Perpetual Defender of Brazil.
The Portuguese royal family's move to Brazil in 1807 also played a significant role. It set a tone of relative peace and continuity, turning Brazil into a kingdom on equal footing with Portugal and later leading to a peaceful independence process compared to other Latin American countries.