History of Ceará - Class 6 - PMCE 2025 Contest - Old Republic: Oligarchy and Coronelism

Summary

In this lesson, Professor Diogo Xavier explores the transition from the Brazilian Empire to the First Republic, focusing on the concept of 'coronelismo' in Ceará. He explains the political dominance of powerful landowners (oligarchs) and the influence of the 'café com leite' policy, where São Paulo and Minas Gerais alternated power. The lecture also covers the impact of local governance, including the role of coronels, and significant events like the 'Sedição de Fortaleza' and the Revolta de Juazeiro. Throughout, the professor highlights the struggles faced by the population during times of drought and political unrest.

Takeaways

• 😀 The transition from the Brazilian Empire to the Republic was not a revolutionary social change; instead, the structures of oligarchy and the economy remained largely intact in regions like Ceará.
• 😀 In Ceará, slavery had already diminished before the Republic, and the state's economy was heavily reliant on cattle ranching and sugarcane production rather than coffee, unlike other parts of Brazil.
• 😀 The 'café com leite' politics referred to the dominance of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, the two largest coffee-producing states, in controlling the presidency and alternating power.
• 😀 The 'coronelismo' system gave local landowners (coronels) immense power over regions, including the ability to control local law enforcement, justice, and elections, often through intimidation and violence.
• 😀 Antônio Nogueira Cioli, the first governor of Ceará, ruled from 1896 to 1912 with the support of local coronels, establishing a system of clientelism and electoral manipulation in the state.
• 😀 The electoral system in Ceará was rigged, with open and nominal voting that allowed coronels to intimidate voters and ensure that their chosen candidates won.
• 😀 During Cioli's rule, Ceará faced severe droughts, exacerbating the suffering of the population. However, Cioli restricted migration, contributing to the hardship of the people.
• 😀 In 1912, Cioli was forced to resign after violently suppressing a political demonstration, marking the event as the 'Sedição de Fortaleza' and signaling his downfall.
• 😀 Franco Rabelo briefly assumed power after Cioli's resignation in 1912, but his rule was also marked by local oligarchic control, and he was soon ousted due to further internal conflicts.
• 😀 The 'Revolta de Juazeiro' in 1914 involved an alliance between the Catholic Church and local coronels, which led to the overthrow of Franco Rabelo and further solidified the role of religion and coronelismo in Ceará politics.

Q & A

What was the significance of the transition from the Empire to the Republic in Brazil during the First Republic?

The transition from the Empire to the Republic in Brazil was not marked by a profound social revolution. It was more of a change in the political system without significant changes in the structure of society, especially in states like Ceará, where the existing oligarchies and economic structures remained largely intact.

How did Ceará's economy and social structure influence the political landscape during the First Republic?

Ceará's economy was largely based on sectors like cattle ranching and sugar production, with little involvement in coffee production, which was dominant in other parts of Brazil. This contributed to Ceará not being a key player in the 'coffee with milk' politics, where São Paulo and Minas Gerais dominated national politics.

What was the 'café com leite' policy and how did it affect Brazilian politics?

The 'café com leite' policy referred to the alternating political dominance between São Paulo and Minas Gerais, the two leading coffee-producing states. This system ensured that either state would elect the president in alternating terms, with a strong influence over national decisions, while local state governors exercised significant power within their territories.

What role did coronelismo play in Ceará during the First Republic?

Coronelismo involved the control of rural regions by local leaders known as 'coronéis.' These figures held vast political power, often using patronage to secure votes. In Ceará, coronéis controlled regions by ensuring loyalty in exchange for favors, making them key players in the local political scene.

What is meant by the term 'coronel' in the context of the First Republic in Ceará?

In the context of the First Republic, a 'coronel' was not a military rank, but a term used for local leaders who wielded immense power over their regions. They acted as de facto rulers, controlling law enforcement, justice, and politics within their areas, often with coercive methods.

What were the main political events leading to the downfall of Antônio Nogueira Cioli in Ceará?

Cioli's downfall occurred due to the 'Sedição de Fortaleza' in 1912. His violent repression of a political manifestation led to public outrage, forcing him to resign. This event highlighted the fierce political rivalries and the heavy-handed control exercised by regional oligarchies.

What was the 'Sedição de Fortaleza' and how did it impact Ceará's political landscape?

The 'Sedição de Fortaleza' was a political uprising in 1912 against Governor Antônio Nogueira Cioli's administration. His brutal response, which included violent repression of opposition groups, led to his resignation and marked a significant moment in the political instability of Ceará during the First Republic.

How did Franco Rabelo's leadership differ from that of Cioli, despite his brief tenure?

Franco Rabelo's time in office was marked by political maneuvering and alliances with other regional coronéis. Although he assumed power after Cioli’s resignation, his governance was not a dramatic departure from Cioli's, as he was supported by the same oligarchic forces and was not able to address the state's significant challenges.

What was the Revolta de Juazeiro and how did it relate to Ceará's political dynamics?

The Revolta de Juazeiro, in 1914, was a revolt led by a coalition of religious figures, particularly Padre Cícero, and local coronéis. It was a response to the unfulfilled promises of leadership under Franco Rabelo. The alliance of religious influence and political power led to the removal of Rabelo from office, further highlighting the complex relationships between religion, politics, and local power.

What were the main challenges faced by Ceará during the early 20th century under the leadership of figures like Cioli and Rabelo?

Ceará faced several major challenges during the early 20th century, including a series of devastating droughts from 1901 to 1909. These droughts caused mass migration, which was often blocked by Cioli’s administration. Additionally, political instability, violence, and the entrenched power of local coronéis hindered any meaningful reform or improvement in living conditions.