ERA VARGAS (Revolução de 1930) #1

Summary

This script delves into the dramatic rise of Getúlio Vargas to power in Brazil. It covers his strategic alliances, including his partnership with military figures, and his opposition to the São Paulo elite. The narrative explores significant events such as the 1930 economic crisis, Vargas's political maneuvers, and the tragic assassination of João Pessoa, his vice-presidential candidate. The story culminates in Vargas leading a revolution against the established government, ultimately securing the presidency and reshaping Brazil’s political landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Getúlio Vargas was involved in two revolutions and several coup attempts in Brazil to secure power during a turbulent time in the 1930s.
• 😀 In 1929, the economic crisis triggered by the New York Stock Exchange crash severely affected Brazil's coffee exports, which were a major source of income for the country.
• 😀 Brazil's political power was controlled by a small elite from São Paulo and Minas Gerais, known as the 'oligarchy', who kept the presidency in their hands for decades.
• 😀 In 1929, President Washington Luís of São Paulo broke the traditional agreement to nominate a candidate from Minas Gerais, causing a political rift.
• 😀 The 'Aliança Liberal' (Liberal Alliance) was formed as a political coalition between various states, including Rio Grande do Sul, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Paraíba, in opposition to the São Paulo elite.
• 😀 The Aliança Liberal was supported by various political and business figures, including former presidents and military leaders.
• 😀 Although Júlio Prestes won the 1930 election, the Aliança Liberal's opposition grew stronger, leading to increased political tensions.
• 😀 The assassination of João Pessoa, the vice-presidential candidate supported by Vargas, played a pivotal role in escalating the conflict and turning public opinion against the São Paulo leadership.
• 😀 Vargas used the death of João Pessoa to rally military support and launch a revolution, gaining backing from various military figures, including General Góes Monteiro and Juarez Távora.
• 😀 The 1930 revolution culminated in the ousting of President Washington Luís, with Vargas taking power after a military junta took over and forced Luís to step down.

Q & A

What was the political situation in Brazil when Getúlio Vargas decided to act against the ruling elite?

At the time, Brazil was dominated by a political elite from São Paulo and Minas Gerais, with power being largely concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy families. Getúlio Vargas, from Rio Grande do Sul, sought to challenge this oligarchic system, which had been in power for over 30 years.

What role did the 1929 financial crisis play in the events leading up to Vargas's rise?

The 1929 financial crisis, particularly the collapse of the New York Stock Exchange, had a significant impact on Brazil's economy, which was heavily reliant on coffee exports. As coffee sales plummeted, it led to economic turmoil, weakening the government's position and contributing to the desire for political change.

How did Vargas plan to gain support to challenge the ruling elite?

Vargas sought to build a coalition by aligning himself with political and military groups that were dissatisfied with the existing government. This included forming alliances with businessmen, industrialists, the middle class, and military officers, notably through the Liberal Alliance.

What was the significance of the death of João Pessoa in 1930?

João Pessoa, the governor of Paraíba and Vargas's vice-presidential candidate, was assassinated in 1930. His death was used as a rallying point by Vargas and his supporters, further intensifying the conflict and fueling the revolt against the existing government.

What role did the military play in Vargas's rise to power?

The military played a crucial role in Vargas's rise to power. He formed strategic alliances with key military figures, including generals and officers, which helped him mobilize forces against the incumbent government. These alliances were essential in the success of the 1930 revolution.

How did the Aliança Liberal's political strategy contribute to the success of the revolution?

The Aliança Liberal was a political coalition that included not only politicians from various states but also military leaders, industrialists, and businessmen. This broad support base allowed them to effectively challenge the São Paulo-based government and eventually seize power.

What was the role of São Paulo and Minas Gerais in the Brazilian political system at the time?

São Paulo and Minas Gerais held significant political power in Brazil. These states controlled the presidency and much of the country's political landscape through a system known as the 'old republic,' where power was shared among a few elite families. This system was increasingly resented by those outside this circle.

What was the response of the government to the rise of Vargas and the Liberal Alliance?

The government, under President Washington Luís, attempted to suppress the opposition through military means. However, as the Aliança Liberal gained strength, especially with the support of key military figures, the government was forced to capitulate, and Washington Luís was ousted from power.

How did the political situation in Brazil evolve after the death of João Pessoa?

After João Pessoa's assassination, Vargas and his allies used the incident to fuel their revolution, presenting it as a symbol of the corruption and injustice of the ruling elite. This event marked a turning point, and the opposition gained momentum, leading to the eventual overthrow of the government in 1930.

What happened on October 24, 1930, and how did it affect Vargas's ascension to power?

On October 24, 1930, a military junta intervened and forced President Washington Luís to resign. This was a decisive moment in the revolution, as it marked the end of the Old Republic and paved the way for Getúlio Vargas to take power as the new leader of Brazil.