A Political History of the Brazilian Transition from Military Rule
Origins of Military Dictatorship
Dictatorship and Political Unrest: In the years leading up to the military coup of 1964, Brazil faced severe political instability, economic crises, and increasing social unrest. The government of President João Goulart was seen as weak and ineffective, and many in the military and civilian elite believed that only a military intervention could restore order and stability.
Cold War Context: The Cold War also played a significant role in the rise of military dictatorship in Brazil. The United States feared that Goulart’s leftist policies would align the country with the Soviet Union, and it supported the military coup as a means of containing communism in the region.
Consolidation of Military Rule
Institutionalizing Authoritarianism: After taking power, the military regime established a new constitution that concentrated power in the hands of the president, who was also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The regime implemented strict censorship, banned political parties, and suspended civil liberties.
Economic "Miracle": Despite its repressive nature, the military regime also pursued a series of economic policies that led to a period of rapid growth known as the "Brazilian Miracle." However, this growth came at a high social cost, with income inequality and poverty increasing significantly.
Opposition and Resistance
Guerrilla Movements: In the face of military repression, armed guerrilla movements emerged to challenge the regime. These groups, inspired by Marxist ideology, carried out attacks against military targets and government officials. However, the military successfully suppressed the guerrilla movements with brutal force.
Civil Society Resistance: In addition to guerrilla movements, the military regime faced resistance from a broad coalition of civil society groups, including students, labor unions, and intellectuals. These groups organized protests, strikes, and other forms of nonviolent resistance, gradually eroding the regime’s legitimacy.
Gradual Transition to Democracy
International Pressure: As international pressure for democratization mounted, the military regime began to make gradual concessions. In 1974, the regime lifted its ban on political parties and allowed limited elections. However, it retained significant control over the political process.
Economic Crisis: A severe economic crisis in the early 1980s further weakened the regime’s grip on power. The crisis led to widespread social unrest and galvanized the opposition movement.
The Nova República
Return to Civilian Rule: In 1985, the military regime finally allowed free presidential elections. The elections were won by José Sarney, a former ally of the military who promised to continue the transition to democracy.
Challenges of Transition: The transition to democracy was not without its challenges. The new civilian government faced a deep economic crisis, a legacy of corruption and human rights abuses, and a military that remained a powerful force in politics.
Conclusion
The transition from military rule to democracy in Brazil was a complex and challenging process that lasted over two decades. A political history of the Brazilian transition from military rule involves a combination of factors, including the desire for order, the influence of the Cold War, economic factors, and the resilience of civil society resistance. The transition was gradual and often fraught with setbacks, but ultimately led to the restoration of civilian rule in 1985.