Presidente da Semana - Ep. 1 - Deodoro da Fonseca, o homem errado

Summary

The podcast 'Presidente da Semana' dives into the history of Brazilian presidents, starting with Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca, Brazil's first president. The episode explores Deodoro's ambivalence during the proclamation of the republic, his role in the military's growing influence in politics, and the eventual challenges he faced while in power. The episode delves into the dynamics between the military and civilian elites, the turbulent early years of the republic, and Deodoro's inadequacies as a leader. It concludes with his resignation and death, setting the stage for the next president, Floriano Peixoto.

Takeaways

• 😀 Deodoro da Fonseca was the first president of Brazil, known for his ambiguous role during the republic's founding and his hesitations in leading the country.
• 😀 The Brazilian military's dissatisfaction with the imperial government played a crucial role in the republic's establishment, with Deodoro becoming a symbol of this military rebellion.
• 😀 Despite being the figurehead of the 1889 coup, Deodoro was hesitant to declare the republic and didn't fully embrace it, signaling his preference for the monarchy.
• 😀 Deodoro's presidency began with controversy, including his refusal to alter Brazil's monarchy-inspired flag, despite being at the forefront of the republic's creation.
• 😀 There was a significant tension between Brazil's military and civilian elites, with military leaders, including Deodoro, feeling superior in patriotism compared to civilian leaders.
• 😀 The republic's early political environment under Deodoro was marked by instability, including a coup attempt in 1891 and a strained relationship with the press and congress.
• 😀 Deodoro's government was characterized by centralization and conflict with political elites, which culminated in his decision to dissolve Congress and declare martial law in 1891.
• 😀 Deodoro's attempt at a self-coup in 1891 was unsuccessful, and his presidency ended with his resignation shortly thereafter.
• 😀 Despite being a competent military leader, Deodoro was ill-prepared for the political complexities of being president and struggled to navigate the country's challenges.
• 😀 After his resignation, Deodoro withdrew from public life and passed away in 1892, leaving the vice president, Floriano Peixoto, to take over as the new president.

Q & A

Who was the first president of Brazil?

The first president of Brazil was Marechal Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca, who played a key role in the overthrow of the monarchy and the proclamation of the republic in 1889.

What was the significance of Deodoro's role in the Proclamation of the Republic?

Deodoro was a hesitant leader during the Proclamation of the Republic. He was pushed into leadership by the military, even though he was originally reluctant to overthrow the monarchy. Despite his initial hesitation, he became the leader of the newly proclaimed republic.

Why did Deodoro hesitate during the proclamation of the Republic?

Deodoro was a military professional who had strong ties to the monarchy and was not in favor of the republic. He hesitated due to his loyalty to the monarchy and reluctance to get involved in politics.

What was the relationship between the military and the monarchy before the Republic was proclaimed?

Before the Republic, the military was becoming increasingly distanced from the monarchy, particularly after the success of the War of Paraguay. The military felt marginalized in the political sphere and this frustration contributed to the push for a republic.

How did the military's role in Brazilian politics change after the Proclamation of the Republic?

After the Proclamation of the Republic, the military, especially the army, became more involved in politics. This marked a shift away from the previous imperial tradition of keeping the military separate from political affairs.

What was the significance of the conflict between the military and civilian elites (casacas) during the empire?

The conflict between the military and civilian elites (often referred to as 'casacas') was a significant factor in the lead-up to the Republic. The military, having gained prestige after the War of Paraguay, began to see itself as the true patriotic force capable of governing Brazil, in contrast to the civilian elites who were often seen as disconnected from the country's needs.

How did Deodoro's views on the monarchy affect his decisions as president?

Deodoro, despite his role in ending the monarchy, showed continued reverence for the monarchy, particularly in his resistance to changing the national flag and the national anthem, which had imperial origins.

What was Deodoro's relationship with the civilian political class?

Deodoro had a contentious relationship with the civilian political class. He was centralizing and often at odds with political figures, and he even dissolved Congress and declared a state of siege in 1891 in response to political opposition.

Why did Deodoro eventually resign from the presidency?

Deodoro resigned due to mounting political opposition, including a failed autogolpe (self-coup) in 1891, which lacked military support. He was forced to step down in November of that year after political and social unrest.

What happened after Deodoro's resignation in 1891?

After Deodoro's resignation, Vice President Floriano Peixoto assumed the presidency. Floriano would become a significant figure in Brazilian politics, and Deodoro's departure marked a turbulent period for the newly established republic.