First Brazilian Republic

First Brazilian Republic

The First Brazilian Republic (Portuguese: Primeira República Brasileira ), also known as the Old Republic (Portuguese: República Velha ), was the period of Brazilian history from 1889 to 1930. It began with the Proclamation of the Republic on November 15, 1889, which ended the Empire of Brazil and the reign of Emperor Dom Pedro II.

Historical Context

The transition from monarchy to republic in Brazil was largely peaceful, orchestrated by a military coup led by Deodoro da Fonseca. The coup was supported by the urban middle class, coffee planters, and the military, who were dissatisfied with the monarchy's policies.

Political Structure

The First Brazilian Republic was characterized by a federalist system, where power was decentralized and the states had significant autonomy. The political landscape was dominated by the "coffee with milk politics" (Portuguese: política do café com leite ), a power-sharing agreement between the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.

Constitution of 1891

The Constitution of 1891 established Brazil as a federal republic, with a presidential system of government. It was inspired by the United States Constitution, emphasizing the separation of powers and the rights of states.

Economic Developments

The economy of the First Republic was heavily reliant on coffee exports, which accounted for a significant portion of Brazil's GDP. The period also saw the beginning of industrialization, with investments in infrastructure such as railways and ports.

Social Changes

The abolition of slavery in 1888, just before the establishment of the republic, led to significant social changes. The influx of European immigrants, particularly Italians, Germans, and Japanese, contributed to the diversification of Brazilian society.

Challenges and Conflicts

The First Republic faced numerous challenges, including regional revolts such as the Revolta da Armada and the Federalist Revolution. The government also struggled with issues of corruption and electoral fraud, which undermined its legitimacy.

End of the First Republic

The First Brazilian Republic came to an end with the Revolution of 1930, which was led by Getúlio Vargas. The revolution was a response to the economic crisis of the Great Depression and dissatisfaction with the political dominance of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.

Legacy

The First Brazilian Republic laid the groundwork for modern Brazilian politics, despite its shortcomings. It was a period of significant change and set the stage for the social and economic transformations that would follow in the 20th century.

See Also

• Proclamation of the Republic (Brazil)
• Getúlio Vargas
• History of Brazil

References

• Fausto, Boris. A Concise History of Brazil. Cambridge University Press, 1999.
• Skidmore, Thomas E. Brazil: Five Centuries of Change. Oxford University Press, 1999.