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Carlos Lacerda: The Brazilian Crusader: Volume I: The Years 1914-1960

Theodore Mitchell

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Carlos Lacerda was a Brazilian journalist, politician, and diplomat who played a prominent role in the country's history during the mid-20th century. He was known for his fiery rhetoric, his anti-communist stance, and his opposition to the authoritarian regimes that ruled Brazil during his lifetime.

This first volume of Lacerda's biography covers the years from his birth in 1914 to his election as governor of Guanabara State in 1960. It provides a detailed account of his early life, his education, and his entry into journalism. It also examines his role in the overthrow of the Vargas dictatorship in 1945 and his subsequent efforts to promote democracy and civil liberties in Brazil.

Carlos Lacerda, Brazilian Crusader: Volume I: The Years 1914-1960

by John W. F. Dulles

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15101 KB
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Print length	:	554 pages

Early Life and Education

Carlos Lacerda was born on April 30, 1914, in Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil. His father, Maurício de Lacerda, was a lawyer and politician who served as governor of Espirito Santo. His mother, Maria Isabel de Lacerda, was a teacher.

Lacerda attended the Colégio Pedro II in Rio de Janeiro, where he excelled in his studies. He was particularly interested in history and literature, and he began writing articles for the school newspaper at an early age.

In 1931, Lacerda enrolled in the Faculty of Law at the University of Rio de Janeiro. He continued to write for the university newspaper, and he also became involved in student politics. In 1933, he was elected president of the student union.

Entry into Journalism

In 1934, Lacerda graduated from law school and began his career as a journalist. He joined the staff of the newspaper "A Noite," where he quickly became known for his sharp wit and his incisive writing style.

Lacerda's articles often criticized the Vargas dictatorship, which had come to power in 1930. He was particularly critical of Vargas's authoritarian policies and his suppression of civil liberties.

In 1940, Lacerda was fired from "A Noite" for his outspoken criticism of the government. He then founded his own newspaper, "Tribuna da Imprensa," which quickly became one of the most influential newspapers in Brazil.

Overthrow of the Vargas Dictatorship

In 1945, Lacerda played a leading role in the overthrow of the Vargas dictatorship. He used his newspaper to mobilize public opinion against the regime, and he helped to organize mass demonstrations in the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

On October 29, 1945, Vargas was forced to resign. Lacerda was hailed as a hero by the Brazilian people, and he was elected to the Constituent Assembly that was tasked with writing a new constitution for the country.

Promotion of Democracy and Civil Liberties

After the overthrow of the Vargas dictatorship, Lacerda continued to use his newspaper to promote democracy and civil liberties in Brazil. He was a strong advocate for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to assembly.

Lacerda also played a leading role in the establishment of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). He served as UNESCO's first director-general from 1946 to 1948.

Election as Governor of Guanabara State

In 1960, Lacerda was elected governor of Guanabara State, which included the city of Rio de Janeiro. He ran on a platform of fighting corruption and promoting economic development.

As governor, Lacerda implemented a number of reforms, including a new tax code, a new education system, and a new public transportation system. He also cracked down on crime and corruption, and he helped to improve the quality of life for the people of Guanabara State.

Carlos Lacerda was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant journalist, a fearless politician, and a passionate advocate for democracy and civil liberties. He played a major role in the overthrow of the Vargas dictatorship and in the establishment of democracy in Brazil.

This first volume of Lacerda's biography provides a detailed and insightful account of his early life, his education, and his entry into journalism. It also examines his role in the overthrow of the Vargas dictatorship and his subsequent efforts to promote democracy and civil liberties in Brazil.

Carlos Lacerda, Brazilian journalist, politician, and diplomat, stands at a podium, speaking to a large crowd. He is wearing a suit and tie, and he is holding a microphone in his right hand. The crowd is gathered in a large square, and they are all listening intently to Lacerda's speech. In the background, there is a large building with a clock tower. The clock tower is topped with a statue of a lion.

Carlos Lacerda, Brazilian Crusader: Volume I: The Years 1914-1960

by John W. F. Dulles

4.3 out of 5