Brazilian Military Government

Definition

The Brazilian Military Government refers to a period from 1964 to 1985 when Brazil was ruled by a series of military regimes that came to power through a coup d'état. This era was characterized by authoritarian rule, political repression, and significant social and economic changes in Brazil, all set against the backdrop of the global trend of military regimes rising in Latin America during the Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Brazilian military government began on March 31, 1964, when a coup ousted President João Goulart, who was seen as a leftist threat.
2. During this period, Brazil experienced severe censorship of the press and political opposition, leading to widespread human rights abuses.
3. The military regime implemented economic policies that led to high growth rates known as the Brazilian Economic Miracle, but this came at the cost of rising debt and social inequality.
4. The regime lasted until 1985, when Brazil transitioned back to democracy through a gradual process that included political openings and resistance movements.
5. Prominent figures during this time included Generals Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco and João Baptista de Oliveira Figueiredo, both of whom served as presidents under military rule.

Review Questions

• How did the Brazilian military government come to power, and what were its primary characteristics?
  • The Brazilian military government rose to power through a coup d'état on March 31, 1964, which deposed President João Goulart due to fears of his leftist policies. The regime was characterized by authoritarianism, strict censorship of media, political repression, and human rights violations. It sought to stabilize the nation against perceived threats from communism while centralizing power within the military elite.
• Discuss the impact of the Brazilian Economic Miracle on society during the military government's rule.
  • The Brazilian Economic Miracle led to impressive economic growth from the late 1960s to early 1970s due to aggressive industrialization and foreign investments. However, this growth was unevenly distributed, resulting in heightened social inequality and urban poverty. While some regions prospered, many citizens faced harsh living conditions amidst government repression and lack of political freedom, creating widespread discontent that eventually contributed to calls for democratization.
• Evaluate the significance of resistance movements against the Brazilian military government in shaping the country's transition back to democracy.
  • Resistance movements played a crucial role in challenging the authoritarian regime's grip on power and advocating for civil rights throughout the military government era. Groups such as students, workers, and leftist organizations organized protests and strikes that raised public awareness of human rights abuses. The increasing pressure from these movements combined with economic challenges forced a gradual opening of political space that ultimately culminated in Brazil's transition back to democracy in 1985. This transition not only marked the end of military rule but also laid the groundwork for Brazil's contemporary democratic governance.

Related terms

Coup d'état: A sudden overthrow of a government, often executed by a small group that typically includes military forces, as seen in Brazil in 1964.

Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by the concentration of power in a leader or elite not accountable to the public, which was evident during the military government's rule in Brazil.

Brazilian Economic Miracle: A period of rapid economic growth in Brazil from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, largely facilitated by the military government’s policies but accompanied by social inequality and repression.