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Getúlio Vargas

An examination of the pivotal figure who profoundly shaped 20th-century Brazilian politics and society.

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Overview

A Transformative Leader

Getúlio Dornelles Vargas (1882–1954) was a Brazilian lawyer and politician who served as the 14th and 17th President of Brazil. His tenure, spanning from 1930 to 1945 and again from 1951 until his death in 1954, marked him as the most influential Brazilian politician of the 20th century. His long and complex leadership profoundly reshaped Brazil's political landscape, economy, and social structure.

A Defining Era

Vargas's influence extended across multiple political phases: the Provisional Presidency (1930–1934), the Constitutional Government (1934–1937), the Estado Novo dictatorship (1937–1945), and his democratically elected second term (1951–1954). This period, often termed the Vargas Era, witnessed significant centralization of power, industrialization, labor reforms, and nationalist policies.

National Impact

Born into a prominent family in Rio Grande do Sul, Vargas's political journey began in state politics before ascending to national prominence. His rise to power through the Revolution of 1930 signaled the end of the Old Republic's oligarchic "coffee with milk" politics and ushered in a new era focused on national development and state intervention.

Early Life and Background

Family Roots

Getúlio Dornelles Vargas was born on April 19, 1882, in São Borja, Rio Grande do Sul, to Manuel do Nascimento Vargas and Cândida Dornelles Vargas. His family was influential, with ties to both military service and regional politics, reflecting the dynamic and sometimes turbulent history of Rio Grande do Sul, a state known for its border conflicts and political activism.

Education and Military Service

Vargas initially pursued a military career, joining the army in 1898. However, he soon transitioned to law, graduating from the Free Faculty of Law of Porto Alegre in 1907. His early experiences, including a brief military stint and his legal practice, provided foundational insights into social issues and governance, influencing his later policy decisions.

Entry into Politics

Vargas began his political career as a district attorney and later served in the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul. His early legislative work and his role as state attorney honed his political skills, demonstrating an aptitude for negotiation and consensus-building, which would prove crucial in his ascent to national power.

Ascending the Ranks

State and National Representation

Vargas served as a federal deputy in the Chamber of Deputies, representing Rio Grande do Sul. His political acumen led him to become Minister of Finance under President Washington Luís, gaining valuable national experience. He later returned to his home state to serve as President (Governor) of Rio Grande do Sul from 1928 to 1930, implementing significant reforms and consolidating his political base.

Navigating Conflict

During the 1923 civil war in Rio Grande do Sul, Vargas demonstrated leadership by organizing military units and participating in crucial maneuvers. These experiences, though challenging, solidified his reputation for decisiveness and commitment to his political allies, preparing him for the larger political battles ahead.

Building Alliances

Vargas skillfully navigated the complex political landscape of the First Republic. His ability to forge alliances, particularly with the influential figures of Minas Gerais and other states, was instrumental in challenging the established "coffee with milk" political order and positioning himself as a viable candidate for the presidency.

The Revolution of 1930

Challenging the Status Quo

The political climate of 1930 was marked by widespread discontent with the Old Republic, exacerbated by the economic collapse following the Wall Street Crash of 1929. President Washington Luís broke the traditional "coffee with milk" pact by nominating a São Paulo successor, Julio Prestes, alienating Minas Gerais and leading to the formation of the Liberal Alliance.

The Liberal Alliance

Vargas emerged as the presidential candidate for the Liberal Alliance, a coalition that united opposition forces from Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, and Paraíba. His campaign advocated for moderate social reform and economic nationalism, resonating with various segments of Brazilian society disillusioned with the existing oligarchy.

Seizing Power

Following the controversial 1930 presidential election, which saw Prestes declared the winner amidst claims of fraud, the assassination of Vargas's running mate João Pessoa provided the catalyst for armed revolt. The ensuing Revolution of 1930, led by Vargas, successfully overthrew the federal government, ending the First Republic and installing Vargas as the provisional president.

Provisional and Constitutional Rule

Provisional Government (1930-1934)

Upon assuming power, Vargas established a provisional government, consolidating executive and legislative authority. He dissolved state legislatures, replaced governors with federal interventors, and suspended civil rights. This period was characterized by centralization efforts and the initial implementation of social and economic reforms, including the creation of the Ministry of Labor.

The 1934 Constitution

Responding to internal pressures and the aftermath of the 1932 Constitutionalist Revolution, Vargas convened a National Constituent Assembly. The resulting 1934 Constitution introduced significant advancements, such as women's suffrage, a secret ballot, labor rights, and federal intervention in the economy. Vargas was subsequently elected president under this new constitutional framework.

Navigating Opposition

Vargas's provisional and constitutional governments faced considerable challenges, including regional revolts like the 1932 Constitutionalist Revolution and the suppression of communist movements. His administration employed a mix of political maneuvering, social reforms, and authoritarian measures to maintain control and consolidate power amidst growing political polarization.

The Estado Novo (1937-1945)

Coup d'état of 1937

Citing the threat of communism, evidenced by the fabricated Cohen Plan, Vargas executed a coup d'état on November 10, 1937. This action dissolved Congress, suspended the 1934 Constitution, and established the Estado Novo ("New State"), a dictatorial regime characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and censorship.

Control and Propaganda

The Estado Novo regime exerted strict control over the media through the National Press Council, suppressing dissent and promoting a nationalist ideology. Vargas cultivated an image as the "father of the poor" and utilized radio broadcasts extensively to communicate directly with the populace, fostering a cult of personality.

Centralized Governance

Under the Estado Novo, Vargas centralized power, ruling by decree and implementing corporatist policies. While promoting industrialization and labor rights, the regime also suppressed political opposition and curtailed civil liberties, creating a highly centralized and paternalistic state apparatus.

Key Policies and Reforms

Economic Management

Vargas's economic policies focused on state intervention and industrial development. His government managed the critical coffee sector through measures like the National Coffee Department (DNC) and the destruction of surplus coffee to stabilize prices. He also promoted agricultural diversification and supported nascent industries, laying groundwork for Brazil's industrialization.

Labor Legislation

A cornerstone of Vargas's legacy is his labor policy. He established the Ministry of Labor, Industry, and Commerce, introduced minimum wage laws, regulated working conditions, and created institutions like the Bureaus of Reconciliation and Arbitration. These reforms aimed to integrate the working class into the state's support base while controlling independent labor movements.

Religion and Education

Vargas fostered a close relationship between the state and the Catholic Church, allowing religious instruction in public schools and participating in significant religious ceremonies. His administration also prioritized educational reform, creating the Ministry of Education and Health and aiming to centralize and modernize the national education system, though implementation faced challenges.

Nationalism and Culture

The Estado Novo promoted "Brasilidade" (Brazilian identity) through cultural initiatives, including reforms in Portuguese spelling and the support of national cultural expressions like the Rio Carnival and samba schools. While fostering national unity, the regime also engaged in the suppression of foreign cultural influences deemed "un-Brazilian."

Foreign Relations

Balancing Powers

During the lead-up to World War II, Vargas skillfully navigated Brazil's foreign policy, balancing relations between Nazi Germany and the United States. Germany was a significant trading partner, supplying industrial goods in exchange for Brazilian commodities, while the U.S. viewed Brazil's strategic location and potential industrial capacity with keen interest.

Alignment with the Allies

Despite initial ambivalence and economic ties with Germany, Vargas ultimately aligned Brazil with the Allies in World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Brazil's participation in the war effort, including sending troops to Italy, strengthened its relationship with the United States and influenced post-war foreign policy.

Pragmatic Diplomacy

Vargas's foreign policy was largely pragmatic, prioritizing national interests and economic development. His administration sought foreign investment and technology while maintaining a degree of autonomy, reflecting a complex diplomatic strategy aimed at enhancing Brazil's position on the international stage.

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References

References

  1.  The provisional presidency of Vargas has also been described as a dictatorship by its critics. See Bourne 1974 and Hudson 1997.
  2.  Keen & Haynes 2004, pp. 300–303, 329–334, 364–376.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Getúlio Vargas Wikipedia page

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