THE PROCLAMATION OF THE REPUBLIC | EDUARDO BUENO

Summary

This script discusses the often-overlooked details surrounding the proclamation of the Republic in Brazil. It explores how the military coup of November 15, 1889, led by Deodoro da Fonseca and Benjamin Constant, unfolded. Despite being a coup, the military didn't overthrow Emperor Dom Pedro II, but only ousted his prime minister. The narrative highlights the contradictions and personal motivations behind the coup, including Deodoro's sudden change of opinion and the involvement of a manipulative journalist. The script also critiques the general public's lack of awareness and the subsequent prolonged provisional government.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Proclamation of the Republic in Brazil was a military coup, not a democratic revolution.
• 😀 Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca, who led the coup, was initially a monarchist and had doubts about the Republic.
• 😀 Deodoro, despite leading the coup, refused to overthrow Emperor Dom Pedro II, who he considered a friend.
• 😀 The coup involved two main military figures: Deodoro, a monarchist, and Benjamin Constant, a true republican.
• 😀 The military was divided into groups with different views, including the 'mocidade científica' or scientific youth, who sought to modernize Brazil.
• 😀 Quintino Bocaiúva, a journalist, played a key role in manipulating the situation to push for the coup, despite not being armed himself.
• 😀 On November 15, 1889, Deodoro did not overthrow the Emperor but only ousted the Prime Minister, Visconde do Ouro Preto.
• 😀 The coup leaders fabricated a story about the appointment of Gaspar Silveira Martins to manipulate Deodoro into agreeing to proclaim the Republic.
• 😀 The Proclamation of the Republic was announced provisionally, with a referendum promised to determine the people's preference, though this referendum was held only in 1993.
• 😀 For 104 years, Brazil was under a 'provisional government' because the Proclamation was never fully legitimized through popular consent until much later.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the transcript about the Proclamation of the Republic in Brazil?

The main argument suggests that the Proclamation of the Republic in Brazil was not a clear or popular movement but rather a military coup led by figures like Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca and Lieutenant-Colonel Benjamin Constant, who were motivated by personal resentment and political factors rather than widespread support for the Republic.

Why does the script emphasize that Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca initially opposed the Republic?

The script emphasizes this because Deodoro was a monarchist and had expressed the belief that Brazil was not ready for a Republic. He even said that the country was in a bad state under the Monarchy, but he feared it would be worse without it.

What role did the military play in the coup on November 15, 1889?

The military played a central role in the coup, with soldiers, including Deodoro and Constant, orchestrating the overthrow. Deodoro, initially reluctant, eventually agreed to take action after learning that Gaspar Silveira Martins was appointed as the new minister.

Who were the key figures involved in the military coup, and what were their motivations?

The key figures involved were Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca and Lieutenant-Colonel Benjamin Constant. Deodoro's motivation stemmed from his resentment over low military wages and the Emperor's disregard for the army. Constant, a republican, sought to establish a new political order.

What was the role of Quintino Bocaiúva in the events of November 15, 1889?

Quintino Bocaiúva, a journalist, played a crucial role in manipulating and organizing the coup. Although he was not armed, he was instrumental in convincing the military leaders to proceed with the action, including Deodoro, by spreading misinformation.

How did the Proclamation of the Republic in Brazil unfold on the morning of November 15, 1889?

On the morning of November 15, 1889, Deodoro, who was sick and in pajamas, went to Campo de Santana, where the coup took place. Initially, he did not intend to overthrow the Emperor but merely ousted the Prime Minister Visconde do Ouro Preto. Later, after being misled about a new minister appointment, Deodoro declared the Republic established.

What was the public response to the Proclamation of the Republic?

The public response was largely passive, with people being unaware of the significance of the event. According to Aristides Lobo, a journalist and future minister, the masses did not understand the implications of the coup.

Why was the Proclamation of the Republic considered provisional?

The Proclamation was considered provisional because it was uncertain whether the population actually wanted a Republic or preferred the Monarchy. A popular referendum was initially planned to decide the matter, though it was not held until 1993, 104 years later.

What does the script suggest about the state of Brazil during this period?

The script suggests that Brazil was in a state of political confusion and instability, with the government constantly being provisional. The narrative implies that the country was marked by inefficiency and that nothing ever seemed to work as it should.

What historical irony does the speaker point out regarding Brazil's independence and the Proclamation of the Republic?

The speaker points out the historical irony that, much like Brazil's declaration of independence, the Proclamation of the Republic was marked by the act of simply telling the people that a new political order had been established, without any active participation or understanding from the public.