Samurai and Proletarians - Humberto Dantas

Samurai and Proletarians - Humberto Dantas

Samurai and Proletarians: The Political Culture of the Brazilian Left, 1922-1945

By Humberto Dantas

A History of the Brazilian Left

Samurai and Proletarians is a sweeping history of the Brazilian left from the early 1920s to the end of World War II. Dantas argues that the Brazilian left was shaped by two main currents: the samurai tradition and the proletarian tradition.

The samurai tradition was rooted in the military and the landed elite. Samurai were known for their loyalty, discipline, and sense of honor. They were also fiercely nationalistic and believed that Brazil should be ruled by a strong, authoritarian leader.

The proletarian tradition was rooted in the working class and the urban poor. Proletarians were interested in social justice and economic equality. They believed that Brazil should be ruled by a democratic government that represented the interests of all citizens.

The Rise of the Brazilian Left

The Brazilian left began to emerge as a political force in the early 1920s. This was a time of great social and economic change in Brazil. The country was industrializing rapidly, and the population was growing rapidly. These changes led to widespread poverty and inequality.

The Brazilian left was also influenced by the Russian Revolution of 1917. The Russian Revolution showed that it was possible for a socialist revolution to succeed. This inspired many Brazilians to believe that they could also overthrow capitalism and build a more just society.

The Brazilian Left in the 1930s

The Brazilian left made significant gains in the 1930s. In 1930, Getúlio Vargas came to power in a military coup. Vargas was a populist who appealed to both the samurai and the proletarian traditions. He promised to restore order and stability to Brazil, and he also promised to improve the lives of the poor.

Vargas's government implemented a number of social and economic reforms that benefited the working class. These reforms included a minimum wage, social security, and labor unions. Vargas also created a number of state-owned enterprises that helped to stimulate the economy.

The Brazilian Left in the 1940s

The Brazilian left continued to grow in strength in the 1940s. In 1945, Vargas was overthrown in a military coup. The new government was more conservative than Vargas's government, and it began to roll back some of the reforms that had been implemented in the 1930s.

The Brazilian left responded to the coup by organizing a series of protests and strikes. These protests and strikes were eventually successful in forcing the government to make concessions. The Brazilian left also made gains in the 1945 elections. The Brazilian Communist Party (PCB) won several seats in Congress, and the left-wing Brazilian Socialist Party (PSB) won the governorship of Rio de Janeiro.

The Legacy of the Brazilian Left

The Brazilian left has played a major role in shaping Brazilian history. The left's commitment to social justice and economic equality has helped to make Brazil a more democratic and just society. The left has also played a key role in defending Brazilian sovereignty and independence.

Samurai and Proletarians is a magisterial history of the Brazilian left. Dantas's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Brazilian politics and society.

Why You Should Read Samurai and Proletarians

Samurai and Proletarians is a fascinating and important book that tells the story of the Brazilian left from the early 1920s to the end of World War II. Dantas's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Brazilian politics and society.

Here are a few reasons why you should read Samurai and Proletarians:

  • Samurai and Proletarians is a well-written and engaging book. Dantas's prose is clear and concise, and he does an excellent job of weaving together the personal stories of the people who shaped the Brazilian left with the larger historical narrative.
  • Samurai and Proletarians is a comprehensive history of the Brazilian left. Dantas covers everything from the early days of the movement to the left's role in the overthrow of the Vargas dictatorship.
  • Samurai and Proletarians is a balanced and objective history of the Brazilian left. Dantas does not shy away from the left's mistakes, but he also gives credit to the left's many achievements.

If you are interested in Brazilian history, politics, or social movements, then I highly recommend that you read Samurai and Proletarians. It is a fascinating and important book that will give you a new understanding of Brazil.


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