What Was the Dictatorship: A History of the Military Regime in Brazil

Introduction

In the 1960s, Brazil was a country in turmoil. The economy was in shambles, the political system was corrupt, and the people were deeply divided. In this climate of chaos, a military coup d'état took place in 1964, and a military dictatorship was established.

The dictatorship lasted for 21 years, and it was a time of great repression and violence. The military regime suspended civil liberties, censored the press, and tortured and killed thousands of people. The dictatorship also implemented a series of economic policies that led to a period of rapid growth, but also increased inequality and poverty.

In 1985, the dictatorship finally came to an end, and Brazil transitioned to a democracy. However, the legacy of the dictatorship is still felt today. The country is still struggling to come to terms with its past, and the wounds of the dictatorship have yet to fully heal.

The Causes of the Dictatorship

There were a number of factors that led to the establishment of the dictatorship in Brazil. These factors included:

• The Cold War: The Cold War was a global conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. Brazil was a key ally of the United States in the Cold War, and the United States was concerned about the spread of communism in Latin America. The military coup in Brazil was supported by the United States, which saw it as a way to prevent Brazil from falling into the Soviet sphere of influence.
• Economic Crisis: The Brazilian economy was in a state of crisis in the 1960s. The country was experiencing high inflation, unemployment, and poverty. The military coup was seen by many as a way to restore economic stability and growth.
• Political Corruption: The Brazilian political system was corrupt and inefficient. The military coup was seen by many as a way to clean up the government and restore order.

The Repression of the Dictatorship

The military dictatorship in Brazil was a time of great repression and violence. The military regime suspended civil liberties, censored the press, and tortured and killed thousands of people.

• Suspension of Civil Liberties: The military regime suspended civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to assemble. Anyone who spoke out against the dictatorship was at risk of being arrested, tortured, or killed.
• Censorship of the Press: The military regime censored the press, and any news that was critical of the government was suppressed. Newspapers and magazines were closed down, and journalists were arrested and tortured.
• Torture and Killings: The military regime used torture and killings to suppress dissent. Thousands of people were tortured and killed by the military, and many more were disappeared.

The Economic Policies of the Dictatorship

The military regime implemented a series of economic policies that led to a period of rapid growth, but also increased inequality and poverty.

• Rapid Growth: The military regime implemented a series of economic policies that led to a period of rapid economic growth. The country's GDP grew at an average rate of 10% per year during the 1970s.
• Increased Inequality: The economic growth of the 1970s was not shared equally by all Brazilians. The rich got richer, while the poor got poorer. The gap between the rich and the poor widened significantly during the dictatorship.
• Increased Poverty: The number of people living in poverty increased significantly during the dictatorship. By the end of the dictatorship, nearly half of the Brazilian population was living in poverty.

The End of the Dictatorship

In 1985, the dictatorship finally came to an end, and Brazil transitioned to a democracy. The transition to democracy was a peaceful one, and it was a testament to the strength of the Brazilian people.

The end of the dictatorship was brought about by a number of factors, including:

• The Economic Crisis: The economic crisis of the 1980s led to widespread discontent with the military regime. The people were tired of living in poverty and they wanted a change.
• The Pressure from the International Community: The international community also played a role in the end of the dictatorship. The United States and other countries pressured Brazil to democratize.
• The Strength of the Brazilian People: The Brazilian people were the driving force behind the end of the dictatorship. They never gave up hope, and they eventually succeeded in overthrowing the military regime.

The Legacy of the Dictatorship

The legacy of the dictatorship is still felt today. The country is still struggling to come to terms with its past, and the wounds of the dictatorship have yet to fully heal.

The dictatorship left a number of legacies, including:

• A Legacy of Repression: The dictatorship left a legacy of repression that is still felt today. The Brazilian people are still afraid to speak out against the government, and they are still wary of the military.
• A Legacy of Inequality: The dictatorship also left a legacy of inequality. The gap between the rich and the poor is still wide, and poverty is still a major problem in Brazil.
• A Legacy of Impunity: The military regime was never held accountable for its crimes. The people who were responsible for the torture and killings were never punished.

The dictatorship was a dark period in Brazilian history, but it is also a time that the country must never forget. The legacy of the dictatorship is a reminder of the importance of democracy and human rights.