Deodoro da Fonseca

Manoel Deodoro da Fonseca (Alagoas, August 5, 1827-Rio de Janeiro, August 23, 1892) was a Brazilian soldier, marshal and politician, the first President of the Republic (1889- 1891).

Biography

He rose in the military career for his heroism and bravery in combat, being a firm and cruel soldier. He participated in the repression of the & # 34; Praieira Revolution & # 34; (in the province of Pernambuco), to the siege of the city of Montevideo (Uruguay), and in many battles in the War of the Triple Alliance, progressing rapidly. He was president of the province of Rio Grande do Sul.

Deodoro displeased the Empire due to his attitudes as provincial president of Rio Grande do Sul, during the so-called Military Question (between the disgruntled military after the War of the Triple Alliance, and the government of the Empire). As punishment he was sent to the province of Mato Grosso, where he was subordinate to Colonel Cunha Matos. Humiliated and embittered, he returned to Rio de Janeiro, arriving on September 13, 1889. He played a significant role in the revolution that toppled the monarchy two months later.

Constitutional Presidency

First president of Brazil, provisionally assumed office on November 15, 1889. The new government quickly began drafting new laws, so much so that before the end of 1889, the entire political and administrative system of the Republic was already created.

The current National Anthem and current Flag of Brazil arose. Deodoro was elected the first constitutional president of Brazil, on February 25, 1891 by the National Congress, with 129 votes. Prudente de Morais obtained 97 votes, according to the new Federal Constitution of 1891, for a period of 4 years.

His second term was achieved largely through pressure from the military (especially the army), against the will of the civilian sector and parts of the military. On November 3, 1891, Deodoro was outraged by the passage of a law allowing for the impeachment of the president; as a consequence, he dissolved Congress.

The Deodoro da Fonseca government was disastrous, as well as authoritarian. The dissolution of Congress, the implementation of the state of siege, the poor financial policy of Minister Ruy Barbosa, and the little administrative experience of the president, brought the country into chaos.

Among the ministers in his cabinet, in addition to Barbosa (Finance), Manuel Ferraz de Campos Sales (Justice), Floriano Vieira Peixoto (War) and Quintino Bocaiuva (Foreign Relations) stood out.

On November 23, 1891, a rebellion occurred in the Navy, when Admiral Custódio de Melo threatened to bombard the city of Rio de Janeiro, to force the resignation of the president. Deodoro resigned and handed over power to the Vice President, Marshal Floriano Peixoto.

Death

Isolated, disgusted and sick, Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca died in Rio de Janeiro on August 23, 1892. He asked to be buried in civilian clothes, a request that was not met; his funeral had pomp and military honors.