Jânio da Silva Quadros - Chronicle of a Resignation Foretold - Nelson Valente

A Political Biography of Brazil's Most Enigmatic President

Jânio da Silva Quadros was a Brazilian lawyer, politician, and diplomat who served as the 22nd president of Brazil from January 31, 1961, to August 25, 1961. He is best known for his sudden and controversial resignation, which plunged Brazil into a political crisis.

In this meticulously researched and engaging biography, Nelson Valente provides a comprehensive account of Quadros' life and career, from his early years in São Paulo to his rise to power and his dramatic resignation. Valente draws on a wealth of primary sources, including interviews with Quadros' family, friends, and colleagues, to create a vivid and nuanced portrait of a complex and enigmatic figure.

Quadros' Early Life and Career

Jânio da Silva Quadros was born in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, on January 25, 1917. His father, Gabriel Quadros, was a lawyer and politician, and his mother, Maria Quadros, was a homemaker. Quadros showed a talent for politics at an early age, and he was elected to the São Paulo state legislature in 1947. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), and he was elected governor of São Paulo in 1951.

As governor, Quadros implemented a number of popular reforms, including a crackdown on corruption and a program of public works. He also took a strong stand against communism, which made him a popular figure among the Brazilian military.

Quadros' Election as President

In 1960, Quadros was elected president of Brazil in a landslide victory. He campaigned on a platform of economic nationalism and social reform, and he promised to clean up the corruption that had become rampant in Brazilian politics.

Quadros took office on January 31, 1961, and he quickly began to implement his ambitious agenda. He nationalized several foreign-owned companies, and he launched a program of land reform. He also took a strong stand against inflation, which led to a sharp increase in interest rates.

Quadros' Resignation

Quadros' policies were unpopular with many Brazilians, and he faced growing opposition from the military and the business community. On August 25, 1961, Quadros suddenly resigned from office. He left no explanation for his resignation, and he refused to speak to the press.

Quadros' resignation plunged Brazil into a political crisis. The military took control of the government, and they installed a new president, João Goulart. Goulart was a leftist, and his election led to a further escalation of tensions between the military and the civilian government.

The Legacy of Jânio Quadros

Jânio Quadros remains a controversial figure in Brazilian history. Some people admire him for his courage and his commitment to reform, while others criticize him for his authoritarian tendencies and his lack of political experience.

Regardless of one's opinion of Quadros, there is no doubt that he was a major figure in Brazilian history. His resignation had a profound impact on the country, and it helped to set the stage for the military coup that took place in 1964.

Why You Should Read This Book

Nelson Valente's biography of Jânio Quadros is a must-read for anyone interested in Brazilian history. It is a well-written and informative account of a fascinating and complex figure. Valente's book provides a unique perspective on the political crisis that gripped Brazil in the early 1960s, and it offers valuable insights into the challenges facing Brazil today.

If you are interested in learning more about Brazilian history, or if you are simply looking for a good read, I highly recommend Nelson Valente's biography of Jânio Quadros.