A02HIS9

Summary

This video script covers the history of Brazil during the Old Republic period, focusing on key social movements and political events. It explores the Canudos Revolt, the rise of military and civilist campaigns, and major revolts such as the Revolta da Vacina and Revolta dos Marinheiros. It discusses economic challenges, including the impact of World War I, industrialization, and the rise of labor movements. The script concludes with the political shift of 1930, leading to Getúlio Vargas’ rise to power, and sets the stage for the Vargas Era. The narrative reflects the complex social, political, and economic forces shaping Brazil during this transformative time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Canudos Revolt (1896-1897) in Bahia was a messianic and millenarian movement led by Antônio Conselheiro, which was violently suppressed by government forces, resulting in over 20,000 deaths.
• 😀 The government of Prudente de Moraes marked the beginning of civilian rule in Brazil, following military presidents Deodoro da Fonseca and Floriano Peixoto.
• 😀 President Campos Sales (1898-1902) faced major economic challenges, including Brazil's foreign debt, and implemented the 'funding loan' policy and the 'politics of governors' to stabilize the country.
• 😀 Rodrigues Alves (1902-1906) initiated significant reforms in Rio de Janeiro, including urban modernization and sanitation efforts, which contributed to a public health crisis and the Revolta da Vacina in 1904.
• 😀 The political polarization between Hermes da Fonseca (military) and Rui Barbosa (civilian) in the 1910 elections led to the rise of the 'politics of café com leite,' where São Paulo and Minas Gerais dominated the presidential elections.
• 😀 The Revolta da Chibata (1910) was a revolt by Brazilian naval sailors protesting against mistreatment and harsh conditions, symbolizing widespread social discontent.
• 😀 The Tenentista Movement, led by young military officers, emerged in the 1920s, calling for political reforms, including an end to corrupt elections and the establishment of a government that represented the people's interests.
• 😀 The Revolta do Forte de Copacabana (1922) was an early example of military opposition to political corruption, with officers marching against the election of Artur Bernardes.
• 😀 The Guerra do Contestado (1912-1916) in southern Brazil was a rural rebellion involving peasants protesting against land disputes linked to the construction of a railway.
• 😀 The Revolution of 1930 was triggered by the political and electoral crisis between Minas Gerais and São Paulo, leading to the overthrow of President Washington Luís and the rise of Getúlio Vargas as a new leader of Brazil.

Q & A

What was the Revolta de Canudos, and what were its key aspects?

The Revolta de Canudos (1896–1897) was a messianic uprising in Bahia, led by Antônio Conselheiro. It was a millenarian movement, which preached the return of the Messiah, and involved a confrontation between the local population and government forces. Over 20,000 people were killed, and the movement was ultimately massacred by the government.

What were the two major challenges faced by President Campos Sales during his time in office?

Campos Sales (1898–1902) faced two main challenges: external debt from international creditors and internal political instability. He had to negotiate with foreign creditors to reschedule the country's debt and manage political agreements with the powerful regional oligarchies.

What was the 'Politics of the Governors,' and how did it affect Brazilian politics?

The 'Politics of the Governors' was an agreement between the federal government and the state oligarchies. It allowed the oligarchies to maintain control over local politics in exchange for loyalty to the federal government. This system led to manipulated elections and the creation of a 'verification commission' to ensure elected officials supported the government.

How did Rodrigues Alves contribute to the modernization of Rio de Janeiro?

Rodrigues Alves, in collaboration with Pereira Passos, initiated a modernization of Rio de Janeiro by demolishing old buildings (called cortiços) and introducing public health measures like sanitation and a mandatory vaccination program to combat epidemics. These reforms, however, led to a rise in poverty and favelization.

Why did the vaccination campaign in Rio de Janeiro lead to the Revolta da Vacina in 1904?

The Revolta da Vacina (1904) occurred due to the compulsory vaccination against diseases like smallpox and yellow fever. The authoritarian enforcement, coupled with the destruction of poor neighborhoods to implement the reforms, sparked widespread public outrage and rebellion against the government.

What were the main political ideologies represented by Rui Barbosa and Hermes da Fonseca during the early 20th century?

Rui Barbosa represented the 'civilist' ideology, advocating for civilian governance and the removal of military influence in politics. On the other hand, Hermes da Fonseca, a military figure, championed the 'salvacionist' ideology, which argued that only the military could restore order in Brazil amidst political instability.

What was the significance of the 1910 elections and the political polarization they caused?

The 1910 elections marked the beginning of a political crisis, with two opposing factions: Hermes da Fonseca's military supporters and Rui Barbosa's civilian supporters. This led to the first major crisis of the 'coffee with milk' politics, where São Paulo and Minas Gerais had a dominant role in choosing the president.

What was the 'Tenente' movement, and what were its main events?

The 'Tenente' movement was a military uprising led by young officers who believed only the military could address the political corruption in Brazil. Key events include the 1922 Revolta do Forte de Copacabana, the 1924 Coluna Paulista, and the 1925-1927 Coluna Prestes, where the rebels marched across the country seeking political reform.

What role did the Great Depression play in shaping Brazilian politics in the 1930s?

The Great Depression (1929) led to a collapse in coffee prices, which was a major economic blow for Brazil. In 1930, elections were held, and although Júlio Prestes won, the economic crisis and dissatisfaction with the political system led to a revolution. Getúlio Vargas, supported by various factions, overthrew the government and initiated the Vargas Era.

How did Lampião and the Cangaço movement influence Brazilian society in the early 20th century?

Lampião, a famous leader of the Cangaço movement, led a group of bandits in the northeastern region of Brazil. The Cangaço was a form of social banditry, where armed groups, often composed of marginalized people, would raid farms and fight against perceived social injustices. The movement had a significant cultural and social impact, symbolizing resistance to exploitation and poverty.