Getulio Vargas

Getulio Vargas

Getulio Vargas was a controversial leader who was the president and dictator of Brazil. In 1929, the Brazilian economy had virtually collapsed and a series of rebellions broke out. The Brazilian military did not wish to fight against these revolts and ousted the prior president and established a provisional government that Vargas gained control of. Shortly after, he was elected for a four year term. Under Vargas, Brazil experienced an industrial boom, which provided a large number of urban Brazilians with jobs and thus garnering their support. Vargas also saw that this boom was rapidly changing Brazilian economics and implemented social welfare programs such as minimum wage, which was fantastic for keeping them supporting him. However, Vargas's party would also use military force without hesitation against union strikes, which were viewed as crimes. While Vargas was portrayed as a benefactor to the poor, the minimum wage system he implemented was arguably not enough for the common worker, and thus a good deal of oppression to dissidents was required. When viewing the effectiveness of the opposition to Vargas, one should pay special attention to the role the military played. When viewing both of his terms, it can be said that once he lost the support of the military it was the final blow. During his first election, Vargas was able to maintain a fairly high degree of dictatorial power and managed to postpone the elections he had promised twice, but was later forced to resign. It's also quite apparent that he would use military force if he saw it fit, as displayed by how he throw Brazil into a dictatorship with fascist tendencies when he was able to use a communist revolt as an excuse. Vargas had been able to improve Brazil significantly in the area of economics and provided the country with needed welfare programs, even if they weren't perfect. However, Getulio Vargas still practiced dictatorial tactics and was unable to maintain control by the end of both of his terms. 

Sources:

http://www.v-brazil.com/culture/historic-characters/getulio-vargas.html

http://countrystudies.us/brazil/16.htm

http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/vargas.htm