Governo Geisel (resumo)

Summary

This video explores the key political and economic events in Brazil during the military regime from 1974 to 1979. It covers the election of General Ernesto Geisel as president, his moderate approach to political opening, and the growing opposition movements. The transcript also highlights economic struggles caused by the 1973 oil crisis, the creation of the Proálcool program, and the labor strikes led by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. It culminates in the gradual return to civilian rule, with the repeal of harsh authoritarian measures and the transition to a new president, João Figueiredo, in 1979.

Takeaways

• 😀 Geisel became Brazil's president in 1974, marking a shift to a more moderate faction of the military regime, focused on gradual political opening.
• 😀 Despite his commitment to political liberalization, Geisel faced opposition from hardline military factions who maintained control over security forces.
• 😀 The military government faced a major crisis of legitimacy in the 1974 elections, where the opposition party MDB gained significant ground against the government party Arena.
• 😀 In 1975, the murder of journalist Vladimir Herzog under torture by the military ignited widespread protests and increased public opposition to the regime.
• 😀 The military continued repressive actions, including the torture and death of Manuel Fiel Filho, an act that intensified public outcry against the dictatorship.
• 😀 Geisel responded to internal military opposition by purging hardline generals, including the dismissal of General Ednardo d'Ávila Mello in 1975 and Sylvio Frota in 1977.
• 😀 The 1973 oil crisis had a major impact on Brazil, which imported most of its oil. In response, Geisel’s government developed the Second National Development Plan (PND) to reduce dependency on oil and promote industrial growth.
• 😀 The Proálcool program, launched in 1975, was a key policy aimed at replacing gasoline with ethanol, produced from sugarcane, to reduce Brazil’s oil imports.
• 😀 In 1978, Geisel moved to further liberalize the regime by revoking the AI-5 and other repressive measures, signaling a shift towards political reconciliation.
• 😀 In the 1978 elections, General João Figueiredo was elected as Geisel’s successor, marking the continuation of the gradual transition to democracy, though the military still retained significant influence over the political process.

Q & A

Who was elected as the President of Brazil after Médici, and what was significant about this transition?

General Ernesto Geisel was elected President of Brazil in 1974 after Médici's term ended. The transition marked the rise of a more moderate faction of the military, signaling a shift toward a gradual political opening, although the military dictatorship remained in power.

What was Geisel's approach to political redemocratization during his presidency?

Geisel advocated for a slow, gradual, and controlled process of redemocratization, aiming to return power to civilian hands but with caution to prevent destabilization. Despite this, some repressive actions continued during his rule.

What was the significance of the 1974 elections in Brazil, and how did they reflect the public's discontent with the military regime?

The 1974 elections were significant because the opposition party MDB won a notable victory over the ruling ARENA, signaling widespread dissatisfaction with the military regime. The results demonstrated growing public support for political change.

How did Geisel react to the political unrest and the growing influence of the opposition during his presidency?

Geisel responded to the increasing political unrest by implementing some repressive measures, such as the dismissal of key military figures who were opposed to his policies, and maintaining control through continued political repression.

What were the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Vladimir Herzog and Manoel Fiel Filho?

Vladimir Herzog, a journalist, was tortured and killed in October 1975, and Manoel Fiel Filho, a worker, died under similar circumstances in January 1976. Both were victims of the military regime's repressive tactics, which led to public outrage and mobilization against the government.

What was the economic impact of the 1973 oil crisis on Brazil, and what measures did Geisel take to address it?

The 1973 oil crisis severely impacted Brazil, which imported over 80% of its oil. In response, Geisel's government introduced the Second National Development Plan (PND) to stimulate industrial growth and reduce dependency on oil imports, including initiatives like the Proálcool program to promote ethanol as a fuel alternative.

What was the Proálcool program, and why was it significant for Brazil's energy strategy?

The Proálcool program, initiated in 1975, aimed to promote ethanol production as an alternative fuel to gasoline. It was a crucial step in reducing Brazil's reliance on imported oil and was part of broader efforts to address the energy crisis caused by the 1973 oil embargo.

What was the Package of April (1977), and how did it affect Brazil's political system?

The Package of April, implemented in 1977, was a set of constitutional reforms that altered Brazil's political system to make it easier for the government to maintain control. It lowered the threshold for legislative approvals and introduced 'biônico' senators, appointed indirectly, to ensure continued military influence.

What role did labor unrest play in Geisel's government, and how did it contribute to political change?

Labor unrest, especially the strikes led by union leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the late 1970s, played a crucial role in challenging the military regime. These strikes grew in scale, and the movement demanded political freedoms and greater workers' rights, contributing to the eventual process of political opening.

How did Geisel’s government begin to open up politically in the late 1970s, and what key actions marked this shift?

In the late 1970s, Geisel took steps toward political liberalization by revoking the AI-5 and other repressive measures in 1978, signaling a shift toward a more open political environment. Additionally, he allowed the return of exiled political figures and took steps to reduce military control over the government.