Historians have regarded Caxias in a positive light and several have ranked him as the greatest Brazilian military officer.
On 13 March 1962, he was officially designated as the army's protector, and is held as both paragon and the most important figure in its tradition.
His accomplishments slowly garnered greater prestige, surpassing even Erval's renown. In 1925, his birthday was selected as the official "Day of the Soldier", in which the nation honors the Brazilian army
For decades after his death and following the downfall of the Empire of Brazil, Caxias' reputation took second place to that of Manuel Luís Osório, Marquis of Erval.
which became divided and weakened by internal conflicts. In 1875, he headed a cabinet for the last time. After years of failing health, he died on 7 May 1880.
but fell when his cabinet lost its majority in the parliament. Over the decades, Caxias witnessed the growth, zenith and slow decline of his party,
He was elected senator in 1846. The Emperor appointed him president (prime minister) of the Council of Ministers for the first time in 1856. He briefly filled the office again in 1861,