Member-only story

Getaria Vargas: A Political Biography of Brazil's Controversial President

Blake Kennedy

·18.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Vargas Of Brazil: A Political Biography

5 min read · 2 weeks before

373 View Claps

67 Respond

Save

Listen

Getúlio Dornelles Vargas (1882-1954) was a Brazilian politician who served as the country's president for a total of 18 years, from 1930 to 1945 and from 1951 to 1954. He was a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important figures in Brazilian history.

Vargas was born in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. He studied law and entered politics in 1909. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1928 he was elected governor of Rio Grande do Sul. In 1930, he led a successful coup d'état that overthrew the government of Washington Luís.

Vargas of Brazil: A Political Biography

by John W. F. Dulles

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13140 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	450 pages

Vargas's first presidency was marked by a number of important reforms, including the establishment of a new constitution, the создание of a national bank, and the implementation of a social welfare program. He also played a key role in Brazil's participation in World War II.

In 1945, Vargas was forced to resign by the military. He went into exile in Argentina, but he returned to Brazil in 1950 and was elected president again in 1951. His second presidency was even more controversial than his first. He was accused of corruption and authoritarianism, and he was eventually forced to resign in 1954.

Vargas's legacy is complex and contested. He is still revered by many Brazilians for his social reforms, but he is also criticized for his authoritarianism and his role in the country's economic problems.

Early Life and Career

Getúlio Dornelles Vargas was born on April 19, 1882, in São Borja, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. He was the son of Manuel do Nascimento Vargas, a cattle rancher, and Cândida Dornelles Vargas. Vargas had a humble upbringing, but he was a bright student and excelled in school.

Vargas studied law at the University of Porto Alegre. He graduated in 1907 and began practicing law in Rio Grande do Sul. Vargas quickly became involved in politics. In 1909, he was elected to the state legislature. He served in the legislature for eight years, and during that time he became a leading figure in the state's Republican Party.

In 1928, Vargas was elected governor of Rio Grande do Sul. As governor, Vargas implemented a number of progressive reforms, including a minimum wage law, a land reform program, and a public health system. He also played a key role in the creation of the Vargas Commission, which was charged with investigating the economic crisis that had hit Brazil in the late 1920s.

The Revolution of 1930

In 1930, Vargas led a successful coup d'état that overthrew the government of Washington Luís. Vargas claimed that he had acted to prevent a communist takeover of Brazil. He established a provisional government, and in 1934 he was elected president by the Brazilian Congress.

Vargas's first presidency was marked by a number of important reforms. He established a new constitution, created a national bank, and implemented a social welfare program. He also played a key role in Brazil's participation in World War II.

In 1945, Vargas was forced to resign by the military. He went into exile in Argentina, but he returned to Brazil in 1950 and was elected president again in 1951.

Second Presidency

Vargas's second presidency was even more controversial than his first. He was accused of corruption and authoritarianism, and he was eventually forced to resign in 1954.

Death and Legacy

Vargas died by suicide on August 24, 1954. He was 72 years old. His death shocked Brazil and the world. Vargas's legacy is complex and contested. He is still revered by many Brazilians for his social reforms, but he is also criticized for his authoritarianism and his role in the country's economic problems.

Getúlio Vargas was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant politician who implemented a number of important reforms, but he was also an authoritarian who presided over a period of economic decline. Vargas's legacy is still debated today, but there is no doubt that he was one of the most important figures in Brazilian history.

Vargas of Brazil: A Political Biography

by John W. F. Dulles

4.6 out of 5