Conhecendo os Presidentes - Ep. 02: Floriano Peixoto

Summary

The video explores the presidency of Marshal Floriano Peixoto, Brazil's second president, who took office after Deodoro da Fonseca's resignation. Peixoto's tenure was marked by economic struggles and opposition from both the public and military. To strengthen his rule, he implemented populist measures like controlling financial speculation, building homes, and exempting the poor from taxes. Despite facing two major revolts—the Revolt of the Armada and the Federalist Revolution—Peixoto maintained control, earning the nickname 'Iron Marshal.' Ultimately, he left office without attempting to extend his presidency, leaving behind a legacy of strength and decisiveness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Floriano Peixoto was the second president of Brazil, serving after Deodoro da Fonseca resigned.
• 😀 Deodoro’s resignation came 9 months after being elected by Congress, during a period of economic instability.
• 😀 Many people were dissatisfied with the Republic government, leading to a need for changes.
• 😀 To prevent a return to monarchy, Floriano took control of financial speculation, built houses, reduced rent, and exempted the poor from taxes.
• 😀 These populist measures were opposed by the elite of the time.
• 😀 A strong opposition movement from military forces began to rise against Floriano’s government.
• 😀 A revolt known as the Revolt of the Armada was organized, demanding new elections.
• 😀 Another significant conflict was the Federalist Revolution in the south, with rebels aiming to overthrow Governor Júlio de Castilhos of Rio Grande do Sul.
• 😀 The Federalist rebels received support from the army and coffee plantation owners.
• 😀 Floriano suppressed both revolts through force and earned the nickname 'Iron Marshal' for his tough stance, but ultimately left office without attempting to extend his term.

Q & A

Who was Marechal Floriano Peixoto?

Marechal Floriano Peixoto was the second president of Brazil. He was vice president under Deodoro da Fonseca, who resigned after nine months in office.

What led to Floriano Peixoto becoming president?

Floriano Peixoto became president after Deodoro da Fonseca resigned due to dissatisfaction with the government, economic troubles, and growing discontent among the people.

What were some of the measures Floriano Peixoto took to address economic issues?

Floriano Peixoto took populist measures, including controlling financial speculation, building houses, reducing rent, and exempting the poor from paying taxes.

Why were Floriano Peixoto's actions considered populist by the elite?

His actions, which focused on aiding the poor and addressing economic instability, were seen as populist by the elite because they challenged the status quo and favored lower-income groups.

What was the 'Revolta da Armada' and why did it happen?

The 'Revolta da Armada' was a military revolt against Floriano Peixoto's government. The revolt was driven by opposition from the military and a desire for new elections.

What other major revolt was happening in Brazil during Floriano Peixoto's presidency?

During his presidency, there was also the 'Revolução Federalista' in the south, where rebels sought to remove Governor Júlio de Castilhos from power in Rio Grande do Sul.

Who supported the 'Revolução Federalista'?

The 'Revolução Federalista' was supported by the military and coffee plantation owners, who were looking to challenge the power of Governor Júlio de Castilhos in Rio Grande do Sul.

How did Floriano Peixoto respond to the revolts?

Floriano Peixoto responded to both the 'Revolta da Armada' and the 'Revolução Federalista' with military force, suppressing the revolts and maintaining his hold on power.

Why was Floriano Peixoto referred to as 'Marechal de Ferro'?

He was given the nickname 'Marechal de Ferro' (Iron Marshal) due to his strong, decisive leadership in dealing with the revolts and his tough stance in maintaining control over the country.

How did Floriano Peixoto's presidency end?

Floriano Peixoto chose not to extend his stay in office. He left power without attempting to prolong his presidency, despite his earlier strong leadership.