JK: The Artist of the Impossible - Claudio Bojunga

A Biography of the Legendary Brazilian President

Introduction

In this captivating biography, Claudio Bojunga paints a vivid portrait of Juscelino Kubitschek, the visionary president who transformed Brazil into a modern industrial powerhouse. From his humble beginnings as the son of a small-town doctor to his rise to the presidency, Kubitschek's story is one of courage, determination, and unwavering belief in the power of progress.

The Early Years

Juscelino Kubitschek was born in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil, on September 12, 1902. His father, João César de Oliveira Kubitschek, was a physician, and his mother, Júlia Kubitschek, was a homemaker. Kubitschek was the eldest of four children, and he grew up in a close-knit, loving family.

From an early age, Kubitschek showed a talent for leadership and a passion for learning. He excelled in school, and he was particularly drawn to mathematics and engineering. After graduating from high school, Kubitschek enrolled in the School of Mines in Ouro Preto, where he studied civil engineering.

The Rise to Power

After graduating from engineering school, Kubitschek began his career as a public servant. He quickly rose through the ranks, and he was eventually appointed mayor of Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais. As mayor, Kubitschek oversaw a period of rapid growth and development in the city. He built new roads, schools, and hospitals, and he also attracted new businesses to the area.

Kubitschek's success as mayor of Belo Horizonte caught the attention of the national government, and he was soon appointed governor of Minas Gerais. As governor, Kubitschek continued his policies of economic development and social progress. He also played a key role in the construction of the new capital city of Brasília.

In 1955, Kubitschek was elected president of Brazil. He took office at a time when the country was facing a number of challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and poverty. However, Kubitschek was determined to transform Brazil into a modern industrial powerhouse, and he quickly set about implementing a series of ambitious policies.

The Economic Miracle

Kubitschek's economic policies were based on the idea of import substitution industrialization. This meant that Brazil would produce its own goods instead of importing them from other countries. To encourage industrialization, Kubitschek offered tax breaks and other incentives to businesses. He also invested heavily in infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and power plants.

Kubitschek's policies were a success, and Brazil experienced a period of rapid economic growth. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by an average of 7% per year during Kubitschek's presidency. This period of economic growth became known as the "Brazilian Miracle."

The Social Progress

In addition to his economic policies, Kubitschek also implemented a number of social programs. He built new schools and hospitals, and he also expanded access to education and healthcare for the poor. Kubitschek also introduced a minimum wage law and other measures to protect workers' rights.

Kubitschek's social programs helped to improve the lives of millions of Brazilians. The country's literacy rate increased from 50% to 70% during his presidency, and the infant mortality rate declined by 50%.

The Legacy

Juscelino Kubitschek left a lasting legacy on Brazil. He transformed the country from a poor, agrarian nation into a modern industrial powerhouse. He also improved the lives of millions of Brazilians through his social programs. Kubitschek is considered one of the greatest presidents in Brazilian history, and he is still revered by many Brazilians today.

Conclusion

JK: The Artist of the Impossible is a fascinating and inspiring biography of one of the most important figures in Brazilian history. Claudio Bojunga's book is a must-read for anyone interested in Brazil, Latin America, or the history of the 20th century.