"O BRASIL QUASE FOI COMUNISTA" | A HISTÓRIA DO COMUNISMO NO BRASIL | ERA UMA VEZ NO BRASIL 3

Summary

This script delves into the history of communism in Brazil, from its early 20th-century roots influenced by the Russian Revolution to the impact on Brazilian politics. It highlights key figures like Luiz Carlos Prestes and discusses the rise of the Communist Party of Brazil (PCB). The narrative explores the party's illegality, its attempts at revolution, and the ensuing repression during the military dictatorship. The script also touches on the global decline of communism post-Cold War and the current political landscape, where the term 'communist threat' is still used to stir fear and control, despite a shift towards democratic participation and new socialist movements.

Takeaways

• 🗓️ The script discusses the historical context of Brazil's military coup in 1964 and its portrayal in the American magazine 'Richard', highlighting the nation's self-preservation against communist threats.
• 📰 The term 'coup' was used in international headlines, but the actual narrative was about a nation rebelling against communist takeover, which was a recurring theme in Brazil's political history.
• 👤 Luiz Carlos Prestes, a military figure from the tenentismo movement, is highlighted as a significant leader in Brazil's communist history, despite initially not being associated with communism.
• 🌏 The script traces the spread of communism to Brazil from the Russian Revolution of 1917, which led to the establishment of the Soviet Union and the rise of Marxist-Leninist ideologies.
• 🏭 The industrialization of Brazil and the poor working conditions faced by workers, particularly women, contributed to the spread of socialist and communist ideas in the country.
• 🔨 The Anarchist movement, which arrived in Brazil in the late 19th century, played a role in advocating for workers' rights and better working conditions through strikes and protests.
• 📜 The founding of the Brazilian Communist Party (PCB) on March 25, 1922, in Rio de Janeiro, marked the formal establishment of a political party representing the working class and aligned with international communist movements.
• 🚫 The PCB faced legal challenges and periods of illegality due to its alignment with the Soviet Union and its perceived threat to national sovereignty.
• 💥 The script mentions the 'Communist Conspiracy' or 'Plan Cohen', a supposed plot to destabilize Brazil, which was later revealed to be a fabrication used to justify political repression.
• 🛑 The Estado Novo regime under Getúlio Vargas and the subsequent Brazilian military dictatorship (1964-1985) heavily repressed communist and leftist movements, using anti-communism as a central ideological pillar.
• 📊 Despite the fall of communism in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union's dissolution, the script notes that the political use of the 'communist threat' continues to influence discourse in Brazil, with varying public opinions on its relevance today.

Q & A

What significant event in Brazil's history is mentioned in the script that took place in November 1964?

In November 1964, Brazil gained a special place in the American magazine 'Popular Mechanics', which featured a cover with the phrase 'The Nation That Saved Itself', referring to the military coup of that time.

Who is Luiz Carlos Prestes and how is he related to the history of communism in Brazil?

Luiz Carlos Prestes was a Gaucho military man, a figure from the tenentismo movement, and a leader who would enter history as part of the communist movement in Brazil. He was one of the first names in the history of communism in the country.

What was the context of Russia in the early 20th century that led to the Russian Revolution of 1917?

In the early 20th century, Russia was governed by an authoritarian regime, with a large part of the population living in poverty and facing great inequality. The dissatisfaction among workers, both urban and rural, led to the Russian Revolution of 1917.

What is the theoretical basis that guided the thinking of the group that founded the Soviet Union?

The theoretical basis that guided the thinking of the group that founded the Soviet Union was Marxism, with Karl Marx's ideas that communism was the final phase of societal evolution, seeking an egalitarian society without private property, exploitation of labor, social classes, capitalism, and the state.

How did the foundation of the Soviet Union impact the arrival of communism in Brazil?

The foundation of the Soviet Union had a significant impact on the arrival of communism in Brazil, as it was the first socialist state in history and inspired the spread of communist ideas globally, including in Brazil.

What was the role of the Third Communist International in the establishment of communist parties worldwide, including in Brazil?

The Third Communist International, founded by Vlad Lenin, played a crucial role in the establishment of communist parties worldwide by providing support, resources, and political guidance, which included the founding of the Brazilian Communist Party (PCB) in 1922.

What were the main goals of the Brazilian Communist Party (PCB) during its early years?

The main goals of the PCB during its early years were to fight for workers' rights, including basic rights that we consider standard today, and to advocate for agrarian reform, which involved the distribution of rural properties.

How did the political climate in Brazil change during the Estado Novo period under Getúlio Vargas?

During the Estado Novo period under Getúlio Vargas, there was intense repression against communists and other left-wing groups. The PCB was considered illegal, and its activities were considered clandestine, leading to the persecution, imprisonment, and often torture of its members.

What was the impact of the Cold War on the Brazilian Communist Party (PCB) and its activities?

During the Cold War, the anti-communist sentiment spread rapidly worldwide, affecting Brazil as well. In 1947, the Brazilian Electoral Court suspended the PCB, effectively placing it back in illegality and leading to the suspension of mandates of elected communist politicians, including Luís Carlos Prestes.

How did the Brazilian military dictatorship that began in 1964 use anti-communism as a political tool?

The Brazilian military dictatorship used anti-communism as a primary ideological pillar to justify intense political repression. It persecuted left-wing movements, including communists, and anyone considered a threat to the established order, using the fear of communism to maintain control over the country.

What were the consequences of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union for communist parties worldwide, including in Brazil?

The fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union marked the end of communism's significant global political power, leading to the rise of capitalism and liberal democracy. In Brazil, traditional communist parties sought new ways to participate in politics, often through alliances with new left-wing movements, reflecting a broader shift away from centralized and authoritarian approaches.

What is the current status of the Brazilian Communist Party (PCB) in terms of political representation in Brazil?

As of the recent elections in 2018 and 2022, the PCB has faced challenges in terms of political representation, failing to elect governors, senators, or federal deputies. It also did not succeed in winning mayoral or councilor positions in the 2020 elections, indicating a reduced political presence in the current Brazilian electoral scenario.