Era Vargas - Toda Matéria

Summary

This video delves into Brazil's Vargas Era, a pivotal period in the country's history spanning from 1930 to 1945. It covers the rise of Getúlio Vargas through the 1930 revolution, the establishment of the Provisional Government, and the subsequent constitutional and New State periods. The script highlights key events such as the 1932 São Paulo revolt, the 1935 Communist Revolt, Vargas' role in World War II, and the social and economic changes, including labor laws and industrialization. Despite its controversial nature, Vargas' leadership reshaped Brazil, ultimately ending with his military overthrow in 1945. The video concludes with a call to explore further on the subject.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Vargas Era refers to the period when Getúlio Vargas governed Brazil from 1930 to 1945, with the Provisional Government (1930-1934), the Constitutional Government (1934-1937), and the Estado Novo (1937-1945).
• 😀 Before Vargas, Brazil was dominated by an alliance between the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, known as the 'Café-com-Leite' Republic, where oligarchies held the power.
• 😀 The 1929 economic crisis, triggered by the Wall Street Crash, weakened the support for the oligarchs, leading to increasing demands for political change from urban middle classes and the military.
• 😀 In the 1930 presidential election, São Paulo and Minas Gerais supported Getúlio Vargas, but the election results were disputed, leading to a military intervention that overthrew President Washington Luís and brought Vargas to power.
• 😀 The Provisional Government under Vargas centralized power, eliminated legislative bodies at the federal, state, and municipal levels, and appointed military governors (interventores) who faced resistance, especially from São Paulo.
• 😀 In 1932, São Paulo rebelled in the Constitutionalist Revolution, but Vargas’ forces defeated them, prompting the convening of elections and the drafting of a new constitution in 1934.
• 😀 The 1934 Constitution introduced significant reforms, including women's suffrage, free and mandatory primary education, and the establishment of labor courts.
• 😀 In 1935, there was a failed communist revolt led by Luís Carlos Prestes, which led to a harsh government crackdown, including illegal arrests and torture.
• 😀 In 1937, Vargas used the pretext of a communist conspiracy (the 'Cohen Plan') to dissolve the Congress, cancel elections, and establish the authoritarian Estado Novo, suspending democratic freedoms.
• 😀 The Estado Novo period was marked by repression, censorship, and the centralization of power, but also by the creation of labor laws (CLT), such as the minimum wage, worker's rights, and paid vacations.
• 😀 Despite initially staying neutral in World War II, Brazil declared war on Germany in 1942 under pressure from the United States and sent troops to fight in Europe. In exchange, the US supported Brazil's industrial development, including the creation of the Volta Redonda steel plant.
• 😀 The Estado Novo regime faced growing opposition, and in 1945, Vargas was ousted by a military coup and the democratic movement, though he later returned to power in 1951, only to commit suicide in 1954.

Q & A

What was the period of the Vargas Era in Brazil?

The Vargas Era lasted from 1930 to 1945 and was marked by three main phases: the Provisional Government (1930–1934), the Constitutional Government (1934–1937), and the Estado Novo (1937–1945).

What was the political context in Brazil before Getúlio Vargas came to power?

Before Vargas, Brazil was under the Republic of the Oligarchies, where political power was shared mainly between the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, often called the 'café-com-leite' republic.

What event led to the rise of Getúlio Vargas to power in 1930?

The Revolution of 1930 led by Vargas and military supporters, which resulted in the overthrow of President Washington Luís after disputed election results.

What were the main characteristics of Vargas' Provisional Government?

Vargas' Provisional Government was characterized by the centralization of power, the dissolution of legislative bodies at federal, state, and municipal levels, and the absence of elections.

What was the Constitution of 1934, and what did it establish?

The Constitution of 1934 established significant legal reforms, including the introduction of women's suffrage, free and compulsory primary education, and the creation of the labor courts.

What caused the Communist Revolt in 1935 during Vargas' rule?

The Communist Revolt of 1935 was led by the National Liberation Alliance, consisting of military leaders and communists who opposed Vargas' government. The revolt failed due to government repression.

What was the purpose of the Estado Novo, and how did it impact the Brazilian government?

The Estado Novo was a period of authoritarian rule that involved the dissolution of political parties, the annulment of the 1934 Constitution, and the establishment of a highly centralized government with no independent judiciary or legislative powers.

What were some of the key labor reforms introduced during the Estado Novo?

Key labor reforms included the establishment of minimum wage, workbooks, the 48-hour work week, and paid vacations through the creation of the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT).

What was the relationship between Brazil and the Axis Powers during World War II?

Initially, Brazil maintained a neutral stance in World War II. However, under pressure from the United States, Brazil declared war on Germany in 1942 and sent soldiers to fight in the European conflict.

How did the Vargas Era come to an end?

The Vargas Era ended in 1945 when Vargas was overthrown by a military coup and the Democratic National Union, amid growing demands for democracy and the end of his authoritarian rule.