The Struggle for Unity, Economic Modernization and Upward International

Mobility: 1823 - 1964

The heartland (Southeast - 42% population, 60%GDP, 11%

area) The south (15% population, 17%

GDP, 7% area) The center-west ( 8% population, 6% GDP,

25% area)

the north (6% population, 3% GDP, 40% area)

the northeast (29% population, 13% GDP 18% area)

Amerindians Portuguese African-Brazilians Japanese Other Europeans

◦ Spanish◦ Germans◦ Italians

Portuguese Court taken by British fleet to Rio de Janeiro

Centralization under Joao VI End of the Napoleonic Wars British aid Brazilian Independence

◦Primacy of British Economic Influence

◦Plantation Economy Coffee Cacao Sugar

◦Issue of Slavery ◦French Orientation of Royal Court

◦Conspiracy of the Fazenderos  

Decentralization The Coffee Economy

◦ Shift to São Paulo◦ Reinvestment of profits from coffee

Dominant States◦ São Paulo◦ Minas Gerias ◦ Rio Grande do Sul

The revolution of 1930 São Paulo revolt (1932-37) O Estado Novo (1937-45)

◦ Supression of embryonic democracy◦ Fascism “light”

Vargas becomes ally of the United States◦ U. S. troops use Natal as jumping off point

to battle Rommel in North Africa◦ Brazil offers to send a division to fight along

side of the United States

Saw Combat in Italy After initial defeat

performed well Military valued its

experience fighting by side of the U.S.

Returning military blames lack of preparation on Vargas

FEB overthrows O Estado Novo Brazilian

President Truman does nothing to “save” the Vargas government

Beginning of alienation between United States and the Brazilian left

Constitution of 1946 ◦ Modeled on U.S. constitution◦ Structure so as not to threaten the large land

owners of the Northeast Political Parties

◦ UND◦ PSD◦ PTB◦ Regional - local parties

Vargas: “The Last Hurrah” (1951-54)◦Vargas wins as candidate of PTB◦Military officer corps remains

suspicious◦Efforts to advance social revolution

frightens the middle class

Reform governor of São Paulo First UDN presidential victory Resignation frustrates the military and

weakens the democratic regime

Reform governor of São Paulo First UDN presidential victory Resignation frustrates the military and

weakens the democratic regime

Pressures for Military Intervention ◦ Conflictual social polarization ◦ Middle class fears of workers◦ Attempt to divide the military along officer –

enlisted lines ◦ Role of the United States government

Humberto Castelo Branco assumes power Military demobilizes potential opponents

◦ President Goulart flees to Uruguay◦ Key elected officials of PTB removed from office

“Demobilization” portrayed as temporary