The Whip's (chibata) revolt

Summary

The script narrates the tragic and powerful story of the 'Revolta da Chibata' in Brazil, which occurred in 1910. It highlights the brutal conditions in the Brazilian navy, where black sailors faced corporal punishment, including being whipped. The revolt, led by João Cândido Felisberto, also known as the 'Black Admiral,' was sparked after a sailor was brutally whipped, resulting in a rebellion that seized two powerful warships. Though the revolt led to the abolition of corporal punishment, its aftermath was filled with hardship for the sailors involved. João Cândido’s tragic life, culminating in his death in poverty, underscores the sacrifices made by these unsung heroes in fighting against oppression and injustice.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Chibata Revolt was a significant and dark chapter in Brazilian history, representing a revolt against corporal punishment and the remnants of slavery within the Brazilian Navy.
• 😀 The Brazilian Navy in the late 19th and early 20th century was an elite institution with deep ties to the monarchy and the upper class, while the majority of sailors, particularly the lower-ranked ones, were black and subjected to brutal treatment.
• 😀 The revolt was sparked by the cruel punishment of a sailor, Marcelino Menezes, who was sentenced to 250 lashes for a relatively minor offense, which led to growing unrest among the sailors.
• 😀 João Cândido Felisberto, a black sailor and the leader of the revolt, became a symbol of the fight against systemic oppression within the Navy.
• 😀 The revolt escalated in November 1910, with sailors taking control of two powerful battleships, the Minas Gerais and Bahia, and threatening the city of Rio de Janeiro with their cannons.
• 😀 The revolt was met with a swift military response, but it eventually led to the suspension of corporal punishment in the Navy and the granting of amnesty to the rebellious sailors.
• 😀 However, the sailors' victory was short-lived, as many of them were later imprisoned, including João Cândido, who was subjected to inhumane conditions in a solitary cell, where many of his comrades died from asphyxiation.
• 😀 João Cândido's suffering continued after his release, as he lived in poverty and obscurity, only to die in 1969, forgotten by many despite his significant role in Brazilian history.
• 😀 The revolt, also known as the 'Revolt of the Sailors,' was later renamed the 'Revolt of the Chibata,' a term coined by historian Edmar Morel in 1959, which is still used today.
• 😀 The revolt represents a moment in Brazilian history where the oppressed stood up against their oppressors, highlighting the persistence of social inequalities and the struggle for justice in the country.

Q & A

What was the 'Revolta da Chibata' and when did it occur?

The 'Revolta da Chibata' was a revolt by sailors in the Brazilian Navy against corporal punishment, particularly the use of the whip (chibata), which was still in practice. It occurred in November 1910, specifically starting on November 22nd and lasting through the end of that month.

Why did the sailors in the Brazilian Navy revolt in 1910?

The revolt was triggered by the excessive use of corporal punishment, including 250 lashes being administered to a sailor named Marcelino Menezes for being caught with alcohol. This act of punishment, along with poor working conditions and racial discrimination, led to widespread discontent among the sailors, especially Black sailors.

What role did João Cândido Felisberto play in the revolt?

João Cândido Felisberto, a Black sailor and the leader of the revolt, played a central role in organizing the uprising. He led the sailors to take control of two warships, the Bahia and the Minas Gerais, and directed them to point their cannons at Rio de Janeiro, signaling their demands for the abolition of corporal punishment.

What was the significance of the naval ships involved in the revolt?

The Bahia and Minas Gerais were powerful warships purchased by Brazil from England. These ships were seen as symbols of military strength and were equipped with numerous large cannons. The revolt involved the sailors using these ships to gain leverage over the government, threatening to bombard the city of Rio de Janeiro.

How did the Brazilian government respond to the revolt?

The Brazilian government, under President Marechal Hermes da Fonseca, initially responded with force. However, after the revolt escalated, the government granted amnesty to the sailors on November 26, 1910, and abolished the brutal practice of corporal punishment within the navy.

What happened to João Cândido and other sailors after the revolt?

Despite the initial amnesty, the government later turned on the sailors. João Cândido and several others were imprisoned, and some were even subjected to harsh conditions, including being locked in a tiny cell, leading to the death of 16 men from asphyxiation. João Cândido survived but was traumatized by the experience.

What tragic event occurred during the imprisonment of João Cândido and his fellow sailors?

While imprisoned on December 24, 1910, João Cândido and 17 other sailors were locked in an overcrowded, poorly ventilated cell. The use of quicklime to disinfect the cell caused suffocating dust, resulting in the deaths of 16 men from asphyxiation. Only João Cândido and one other sailor survived.

What was João Cândido's life like after his release from prison?

After being released from prison in 1911, João Cândido struggled with the trauma of his experiences. He was unable to return to his career in the Navy and worked as a fisherman in Rio de Janeiro. He lived in poverty and obscurity until his death in 1969.

What is the historical significance of the Revolta da Chibata in Brazilian history?

The Revolta da Chibata is significant because it represented a key moment in the struggle against racial and social inequality in Brazil. It was one of the first major protests by Black Brazilians against the systemic violence and discrimination they faced, particularly within the military, and helped bring an end to corporal punishment in the Navy.

How was the story of João Cândido and the revolt memorialized in Brazilian culture?

João Cândido's role in the revolt was later memorialized through music, literature, and film. One notable example is the song 'O Almirante Negro' by Aldir Blanc and João Bosco, which was initially censored due to its political themes. The revolt was also popularized in books and films, such as Edmar Morel's 1958 book that coined the term 'Revolta da Chibata.'