Brazil's Military Government

On April 1, 1964 the army took power and instituted a institutional act to persecute anybody who posed a potential threat to the regime. That was the start of the Brazilian military regime, which lasted until 1985. The very first president of the military regime was Castelo Blanco who ruled until 1967. He put into play the second Institutional Act, he got rid of all political parties. Founded by the military regime ARENA (Alianca Renovedora Nacional) and the MDB (Movimiento Democratico Braseileiro) would be the only political parties in Brazil until 1979. The 20 year military dictatorship was marked by economic growth, fueled by large international loans, the increase of inflation, the dissatisfaction of the people, left-wing guerrilla activities, and the repression of freedom of expression. Despite the repression this was also a period of great cultural growth that saw composers and university professors flourish. unfortunately, many were forced into exile. Protests broke out throughout Brazil, in June of 1968, the 100,000 march took place in the streets of Rio De Janeiro. This was a milestone in the dictatorship but unfortunately enacted Institutional Act 5, further restricting freedom of the press by requiring prior approval of all media content and inspection by authorized agents. The last military President was Joao Figueiredo, who governed from 1979 to 1985. He oversaw the slow transition from military to civilian rule, promising to make the country a democracy. Political prisoners were freed and six new political parties were formed. Towards the end of the dictatorship, civil society's organized large political rallies to demand direct presidential elections. In 1985, the military peacefully handed over power to civilian president Tancredo Neves, Marking the end of 21 years of military presidents.