Getúlio Vargas, the longest-serving president of Brazil
Getúlio Vargas, the longest-serving president of Brazil
The Gaucho Getúlio Dornelles Vargas (1883-1954) is known for being the longest-serving president in the history of Brazil, having governed the country for 18 years in two different periods (1930-1945 and 1951-1954)
He began his political career as a state deputy for RS (1909-1913 and 1917-1923). He was also a federal deputy (1923-1926), Minister of Finance (1926-1927), governor of RS (1928-1930) and senator (1946-1951)
After the defeat in the 1930 presidential elections, Getúlio led the 1930 Revolution, a coup d’état that deposed the then president, Washington Luís, and brought him to power, in what he called a provisional government.
Upon taking over the Catete Palace, Vargas had to face a global crisis that brought down coffee production and increased unemployment. He suspended elections, destroyed political institutions and placed interveners in each Brazilian state
His changes caused the São Paulo oligarchy to revolt in 1932, but the movement was crushed and, in 1934, Vargas approved a new Constitution, which established direct and secret universal elections and legalized unions.
Vargas determined that only workers affiliated with unions under indirect control of the Ministry would receive benefits (such as vacations). He established laws such as vacations, retirement and minimum wage, later brought together in the CLT
During this time, the ANL (National Liberation Alliance) fought the fascism of the Brazilian Integralist Action (AIB). Getúlio used the antagonism of these groups to concentrate powers and deepen state repression
He declared a state of siege and ordered the arrest of communist leaders in 1935. On November 10, 1937, Congress was closed, the 1934 Constitution annulled and political parties banned, establishing the Estado Novo dictatorship.
Vargas also boosted industrialization. He began the installation of Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) in Volta Redonda, using a loan from the USA and pension funds. His policy was marked by the Americanization of the economy
Ties with the USA forced Brazil to join the Allies and enter World War II in 1942. In the photo, he is with American President Franklin Roosevelt. The dictatorial government came under increasing criticism for democratization. Under pressure, Getúlio was removed from office in October 1945
Getúlio was elected senator for the PTB in 1945. In 1950, he ran again for president, beating Eduardo Gomes with 48.7% of the votes. The victory was celebrated by populism with the slogan “Put the old man’s portrait back again”
In 1951, Vargas assumed the presidency again. During his government, he expanded benefits to workers and created Petrobrás, with the campaign “Oleo is ours”, guaranteeing the national monopoly on the commodity
His populist politics bothered the elites and dissatisfaction became even greater after 1954, with the 100% increase in the minimum wage and the attack on Carlos Lacerda, Vargas’ declared political enemy.
Military personnel and vice-president Café Filho began to demand the resignation of Vargas, who warned that he would only leave the government dead. In the early hours of August 24, he committed suicide in his quarters.
I calmly take the first step on the path to eternity and leave life to enter History
Getúlio Vargas in testament letter found after his death
Your subscription helps Folha continue providing independent, quality journalism
See the main news of the day in Brazil and around the world
