A ESQUECIDA HISTÓRIA DOS SOLDADOS DA BORRACHA

Summary

This video delves into the often overlooked story of Brazil’s rubber soldiers during World War II. As Japan cut off rubber supplies, Brazil was vital in supplying raw materials to the Allies. Despite initial promises of recognition and benefits, workers—mostly from Brazil’s drought-stricken Northeast—faced immense hardships in the Amazon. Of the 60,000 rubber soldiers sent between 1942 and 1945, half died due to brutal conditions. Despite their sacrifice, they were only officially recognized as combatants decades later. The video sheds light on their ongoing struggle for proper recognition and benefits, highlighting a forgotten chapter in Brazil’s wartime history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brazil's involvement in World War II is often remembered for the Expeditionary Force, but there is a lesser-known story about the rubber soldiers.
• 😀 Japan's action in 1942 of cutting off rubber supplies to enemy countries significantly impacted the Allies, especially the United States.
• 😀 The Amazon was identified as a potential source of rubber, capable of producing more than double the North American needs.
• 😀 To increase rubber production, Brazil committed to producing 100,000 tons per year, with the help of American financing and support.
• 😀 The Brazilian government organized the mobilization of workers, offering promises of land and wages to entice them to the Amazon rubber plantations.
• 😀 Many young people, particularly from Brazil's northeastern hinterland, were forced to choose between working in the Amazon or fighting on the front lines in Europe.
• 😀 The journey to the Amazon was grueling, taking over three months with poor transportation and food conditions, and workers faced dire living conditions upon arrival.
• 😀 Of the 60,000 rubber soldiers sent to the Amazon between 1942 and 1945, around half died due to harsh conditions, disease, and poor treatment.
• 😀 Despite the hardships, the rubber soldiers were initially regarded as heroes but faced neglect and a lack of recognition after the war.
• 😀 In 1988, the rubber soldiers were finally recognized as combatants, but only received a modest pension. Many are still fighting for proper recognition and equal treatment.

Q & A

What was Brazil's primary contribution to the Allied war effort during World War II?

Brazil contributed to the Allied war effort not only by sending soldiers as part of the Expeditionary Force but also by supplying raw materials, particularly rubber, to the United States and other Allied nations.

What triggered the rubber shortage during World War II?

The rubber shortage was triggered when Japan, which produced 97% of the world's rubber, cut off supplies to all enemy countries, severely impacting the war industries of the United States and other nations.

Why was rubber such a critical resource during the war?

Rubber was essential for the production of war materials such as tires, vehicles, and various military equipment. A shortage could have severely disrupted the functioning of the North American war machine.

How did Brazil become involved in rubber production during the war?

Brazil became involved after a commission, led by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, identified the Amazon region as a potential source of rubber to meet the needs of the war effort. Brazil committed to increasing rubber production in exchange for American financial support.

What were the conditions like for the rubber soldiers in the Amazon?

The rubber soldiers faced harsh conditions, including a long journey of over three months to the Amazon, lack of medical assistance, conflicts with landowners, and poor living conditions. Many died during the journey or while working in the rubber plantations.

How did the Brazilian government recruit workers for the rubber plantations?

The Brazilian government initially relied on voluntary enlistment, but later resorted to forced recruitment, primarily targeting young men from the northeastern hinterland. Families were given two options: send their children to the rubber plantations or send them to fight in the war in Europe.

How many rubber soldiers were sent to the Amazon, and what was the death toll?

Approximately 60,000 rubber soldiers were sent to the Amazon between 1942 and 1945, and half of them died either during the journey or in the Amazon. This death toll was significantly higher than the casualties among Brazilian combatants in Italy during the same period.

What promises were made to the rubber soldiers by the Brazilian government?

The Brazilian government promised the rubber soldiers rewards such as land distribution, a small salary for the journey, and 60% of the profits from rubber production. Additionally, they were treated as war heroes, with promises of future compensation.

When were the rubber soldiers officially recognized as combatants in World War II?

The rubber soldiers were officially recognized as combatants in 1988, forty years after the end of World War II. This recognition came with the right to a pension, but it was far less than what was promised.

What is the significance of the 2019 documentary 'Soldados da Borracha'?

The documentary 'Soldados da Borracha,' directed by Wolney Oliveira, plays a crucial role in telling the story of the rubber soldiers, highlighting their struggles, their fight for recognition, and the forgotten history of their contribution to the war effort.