How did military leaders prevent democracy in Brazil?
The military coup that took place in Brazil on April 1, 1964, marked the end of the country’s fledgling democracy and ushered in a period of authoritarian rule that lasted for nearly two decades. During this time, the military leaders who seized power used a range of tactics to prevent democracy from flourishing.
Establishing the Institutions of Authoritarianism
Immediately after the coup, the military leaders established a new institutional framework that would serve to legitimize their rule. This included the creation of a new constitution, the Institutional Act No. 1, which effectively annulled the 1946 Constitution and established the country’s first military dictatorship. The Act abolished:
• The power of the President to veto legislation
• The authority of the Supreme Court to intervene in political matters
• The right of Congress to question the President
• The autonomy of state and local governments
In addition, the Act established a new system of indirect elections, in which state governors and federal deputies would be elected by state legislatures rather than by direct popular vote. This meant that the military had effective control over the political system, as they could dictate who would be elected and when.
Repressing Political Opposition
To prevent political opposition from arising, the military leaders took a range of repressive measures. These included:
• Censorship: The government established strict controls over the media, including the ability to ban newspapers and magazines that published critical articles.
• Imprisonment without trial: Thousands of suspected political opponents were imprisoned without charge or trial, many of whom were tortured and killed.
• Suppression of trade unions and student movements: The military government banned trade unions and student movements, and any attempt to organize protests or demonstrations was met with force.
• Clerical control: The military government also sought to suppress any opposition from the clergy, by baning the Catholic Church and imprisoning many Catholic leaders.
Manipulating Elections
Despite the repression, some opposition parties and leaders managed to survive, and the military government sought to co-opt or silence them through a range of mechanisms. These included:
• Electoral fraud: The government manipulated elections, using rigged electoral rolls, illicit funding, and harassment of opposition candidates to ensure the defeat of opposition parties.
• Co-option: Some opposition leaders were co-opted into the government, either through cabinet positions or special advisory roles.
• Intimidation and violence: Opposition candidates and leaders who refused to comply with the government’s wishes were subject to intimidation, violence, and imprisonment.
Economic Reforms
The military government also sought to consolidate its power by implementing a range of economic reforms. These included:
• Stabilization plans: The government implemented a series of economic stabilization plans, which had the effect of inflating the money supply, devaluing the currency, and stifling industrial development.
• Industrial policy: The government imposed strict controls over industry, nationalizing key sectors, and allocating resources to favor pro-government businesses.
• Foreign investment: The government actively sought to attract foreign investment, which further concentrated wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals and corporations.
The Legacy of Military Rule
The military dictatorship had a profound impact on Brazil’s political and economic institutions. The country’s political system was barricaded against democratic renewal, and the military retained significant influence over politics even after the return to civilian rule in 1985.
Table 1: Key Features of Military Rule in Brazil
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Institutional Structure | Creation of new constitution, abolition of powers of President, Congress, and Supreme Court |
| Repression | Censorship, imprisonment without trial, suppression of trade unions and student movements, clerical control |
| Elections | Electoral fraud, co-option, intimidation and violence |
| Economy | Stabilization plans, industrial policy, foreign investment |
| Legacy | Barricaded against democratic renewal, military influence over politics after return to civilian rule |
In conclusion, the military leaders who seized power in Brazil in 1964 used a range of tactics to prevent democracy from flourishing. These included the establishment of institutions of authoritarianism, repression of political opposition, manipulation of elections, economic reforms, and manipulation of the economy. The legacy of military rule has had a profound impact on Brazil’s political and economic institutions, and it remains an important area of study for scholars and policymakers seeking to understand the complexities of authoritarianism and democratic transitions.
