Prudente de Morais
Encyclopedia
Prudente José de Morais Barros (pruˈdẽtʃi ʒoˈzɛ di moˈrajs ˈbaʁus; October 4, 1841 – December 3, 1902) was the third president of Brazil
(the first civilian, and the first to be elected by direct popular ballot, under the permanent provisions of Brazil's 1891 Constitution). His presidency lasted from November 15, 1894 until November 15, 1898. His term was marked by the War of Canudos
, a campesinant revolt in northeast of the country that was crushed by the Brazilian Army
. He also had to face a breakup of diplomatic relations with Portugal
, where the mediation of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom
was able to reach peace.
Previously he had been the Governor of the State of São Paulo
and President of the Senate from 1891 to 1894. He was also president of the Constituint Congress that drafted and approved Brazil's 1891 Constitution.
The city of Presidente Prudente
, located in the western part of the State of São Paulo, is named after him.
His ancestry dated back to the early portuguese
settlers of Brazil.
(São Paulo), on October 4, 1841. With three years of age he lost his father, an animal dealer, murdered by a slave. After the remarriage of his mother, Moraes took up residence in the city, where he finished primary school. He graduated with a law degree from the Law School of Sao Paulo in 1863 and moved to Piracicaba
that same year. He practiced law there for two years and began his political career in 1865.
During the Empire of Brazil, Moraes belonged first to the Liberal Party, a monarchist. He was elected as alderman in 1865, presiding over the City of Piracicaba
.
In 1873, he moved to the Paulista Republican Party (PRP), declaring himself a republican
, a trend represented in the Provincial Assembly.
He was a deputy provincial in Sao Paulo city and deputy to the General Assembly of the Empire, defending and the republican form of government, abolitionism and federalism. As provincial deputy, he worked in the complex issue of currency of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais
, a subject on which he was an expert.
to be elected by direct vote and the first civilian president of Brazil. Prudente had 276,583 votes against 38,291 for his main competitor Afonso Pena. The election had more than 29 politicians polled. His vice president was Dr. Manuel Vitorino Pereira. His election marked the coming to power of the paulista coffee oligarchy in place of the military.
The four-year government of Prudente de Moraes was shaken, both by party political issues (the loss of Federal support of the Republican Party) and opposition sectors Florianists and continued in Rio Grande do Sul, the Federalist Revolt (1893–1895).
Prudente de Moraes devoted all of his efforts to pacify the factions, which had in its extreme advocates of strong government of Floriano and supporters of the monarchy. During his rule, he left one by one the innovative measures of Floriano Peixoto. This caution was necessary since Florianists still had some strength, particularly in the Army. In addition, the vice president was connected to the ideas of Floriano. Prudente de Morais envisioned a government that served more growers and the military, away from politics.
Early in his government, he pacified the Federalist Revolution of Rio Grande do Sul by signing peace with the rebels, who received amnesty.
In 1896, he faced a diplomatic issue involving the British, who saw fit to take possession of the island of Trinidad in 1895, and the revolt of the Military School. He asserted his authority by closing the school and military club. The diplomatic issue was resolved favorably to Brazil.
Prudente de Morais reestablished relations with Portugal and signed the Treaty of Friendship, along with the Commerce and Navigation with Japan in November 1895 with the aim of encouraging the arrival of Japanese immigrants.
But shortly after a rebel movement would face even greater: the War of Straws in the interior of Bahia.
Forced to undergo surgery, Prudente de Moraes retired from power between November 10, 1896 and March 4, 1897, giving the office to Vice President Dr. Manuel Vitorino Pereira. In this interim, Manuel Vitorino transferred the seat of government of Itamaraty Palace to the Palace of Catete.
With the victory of the rebels of Antonio Conselheiro on various military expeditions, the situation further deteriorated. Ernest interrupted convalescence and then appointed Minister of War General Carlos Machado Bittencourt, who led a new expedition and defeated the rebels.
Internal differences in PR and the Federal War of Canudos wear the government. Even with the victory of the government troops in the war, tempers were not abated. On November 5, 1897, during a military ceremony, Moraes suffered an attempt on his life. He escaped unhurt, but his war minister
, Marshal Bittencourt, died defending his life. The president decreed, under a state of siege, for the Distrito Federal
(Rio de Janeiro (City) and Niterói
) so you may get rid of the most troublesome opponents.
The difficult economic and financial crisis inherited from the encilhamento, stressed in his administration, mainly because of military spending, increasing debt with foreign creditors.
With the advice of his ministers of finance, Rodrigues Alves and Bernardino de Campos, negotiated with the British bankers to consolidate debt, financial transaction known as funding loan, based on the policy implemented by Joaquim Murtinho within four years.
In foreign policy, the boundary question with Argentina
arbitrated by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, was resolved favorably to Brazil. Historian ascribe that diplomatic success to the efforts and dilligence of the Brazilian Government's representative, the Baron
of Rio Branco
, appointed by Moraes to lead the Brazilian delegation in the arbitration process.
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
(the first civilian, and the first to be elected by direct popular ballot, under the permanent provisions of Brazil's 1891 Constitution). His presidency lasted from November 15, 1894 until November 15, 1898. His term was marked by the War of Canudos
War of Canudos
The War of Canudos was a conflict between the state of Brazil and a group of some 30,000 settlers who had founded their own community in the northeastern state of Bahia, named Canudos...
, a campesinant revolt in northeast of the country that was crushed by the Brazilian Army
Brazilian Army
The Brazilian Army is the land arm of the Brazilian Military. The Brazilian Army has fought in several international conflicts, mostly in South America and during the 19th century, such as the Brazilian War of Independence , Argentina-Brazil War , War of the Farrapos , Platine War , Uruguayan War ...
. He also had to face a breakup of diplomatic relations with Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
, where the mediation of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom
Victoria of the United Kingdom
Victoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
was able to reach peace.
Previously he had been the Governor of the State of São Paulo
São Paulo (state)
São Paulo is a state in Brazil. It is the major industrial and economic powerhouse of the Brazilian economy. Named after Saint Paul, São Paulo has the largest population, industrial complex, and economic production in the country. It is the richest state in Brazil...
and President of the Senate from 1891 to 1894. He was also president of the Constituint Congress that drafted and approved Brazil's 1891 Constitution.
The city of Presidente Prudente
Presidente Prudente
Presidente Prudente is a municipality in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The city has a population of 207,610 inhabitants and area of 562.8 km². The city is named after president Prudente de Morais. Prudente is located 558 km from the city of São Paulo.Presidente Prudente is considered the...
, located in the western part of the State of São Paulo, is named after him.
His ancestry dated back to the early portuguese
Brazilian Portuguese
Brazilian Portuguese is a group of Portuguese dialects written and spoken by most of the 190 million inhabitants of Brazil and by a few million Brazilian emigrants, mainly in the United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, Canada, Japan and Paraguay....
settlers of Brazil.
Training and early career
Prudente de Moraes was born in the vicinity of ItuItu
Itu is an old and historic municipality in the state of São Paulo in Brazil. The population in 2009 was 157,384 and the area is 641.68 km². The elevation is 583 m. This place name comes from the Tupi language, meaning big waterfall. Itu is linked with the highway numbered the SP-75 and are flowed...
(São Paulo), on October 4, 1841. With three years of age he lost his father, an animal dealer, murdered by a slave. After the remarriage of his mother, Moraes took up residence in the city, where he finished primary school. He graduated with a law degree from the Law School of Sao Paulo in 1863 and moved to Piracicaba
Piracicaba
Piracicaba is a city located in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. The population in 2009 was 368,843 in an area of 1,369.511 km², at an elevation of 547 m above sea level.-Name:...
that same year. He practiced law there for two years and began his political career in 1865.
During the Empire of Brazil, Moraes belonged first to the Liberal Party, a monarchist. He was elected as alderman in 1865, presiding over the City of Piracicaba
Piracicaba
Piracicaba is a city located in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. The population in 2009 was 368,843 in an area of 1,369.511 km², at an elevation of 547 m above sea level.-Name:...
.
In 1873, he moved to the Paulista Republican Party (PRP), declaring himself a republican
Republicanism
Republicanism is the ideology of governing a nation as a republic, where the head of state is appointed by means other than heredity, often elections. The exact meaning of republicanism varies depending on the cultural and historical context...
, a trend represented in the Provincial Assembly.
He was a deputy provincial in Sao Paulo city and deputy to the General Assembly of the Empire, defending and the republican form of government, abolitionism and federalism. As provincial deputy, he worked in the complex issue of currency of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais
Minas Gerais
Minas Gerais is one of the 26 states of Brazil, of which it is the second most populous, the third richest, and the fourth largest in area. Minas Gerais is the Brazilian state with the largest number of Presidents of Brazil, the current one, Dilma Rousseff, being one of them. The capital is the...
, a subject on which he was an expert.
In the presidency of the Republic
In the contest for the succession of Floriano Peixoto, who died of a stroke on November 23, 1891, Moraes was nominated by the Republican Federal (Federal PR), founded by Paulo Glicerio Francisco in 1893. He won the presidential election on March 1, 1894 and took office on November 15 that year, becoming the first president of BrazilPresident of Brazil
The president of Brazil is both the head of state and head of government of the Federative Republic of Brazil. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the Brazilian Armed Forces...
to be elected by direct vote and the first civilian president of Brazil. Prudente had 276,583 votes against 38,291 for his main competitor Afonso Pena. The election had more than 29 politicians polled. His vice president was Dr. Manuel Vitorino Pereira. His election marked the coming to power of the paulista coffee oligarchy in place of the military.
The four-year government of Prudente de Moraes was shaken, both by party political issues (the loss of Federal support of the Republican Party) and opposition sectors Florianists and continued in Rio Grande do Sul, the Federalist Revolt (1893–1895).
Prudente de Moraes devoted all of his efforts to pacify the factions, which had in its extreme advocates of strong government of Floriano and supporters of the monarchy. During his rule, he left one by one the innovative measures of Floriano Peixoto. This caution was necessary since Florianists still had some strength, particularly in the Army. In addition, the vice president was connected to the ideas of Floriano. Prudente de Morais envisioned a government that served more growers and the military, away from politics.
Early in his government, he pacified the Federalist Revolution of Rio Grande do Sul by signing peace with the rebels, who received amnesty.
In 1896, he faced a diplomatic issue involving the British, who saw fit to take possession of the island of Trinidad in 1895, and the revolt of the Military School. He asserted his authority by closing the school and military club. The diplomatic issue was resolved favorably to Brazil.
Prudente de Morais reestablished relations with Portugal and signed the Treaty of Friendship, along with the Commerce and Navigation with Japan in November 1895 with the aim of encouraging the arrival of Japanese immigrants.
But shortly after a rebel movement would face even greater: the War of Straws in the interior of Bahia.
Forced to undergo surgery, Prudente de Moraes retired from power between November 10, 1896 and March 4, 1897, giving the office to Vice President Dr. Manuel Vitorino Pereira. In this interim, Manuel Vitorino transferred the seat of government of Itamaraty Palace to the Palace of Catete.
With the victory of the rebels of Antonio Conselheiro on various military expeditions, the situation further deteriorated. Ernest interrupted convalescence and then appointed Minister of War General Carlos Machado Bittencourt, who led a new expedition and defeated the rebels.
Internal differences in PR and the Federal War of Canudos wear the government. Even with the victory of the government troops in the war, tempers were not abated. On November 5, 1897, during a military ceremony, Moraes suffered an attempt on his life. He escaped unhurt, but his war minister
Minister (government)
A minister is a politician who holds significant public office in a national or regional government. Senior ministers are members of the cabinet....
, Marshal Bittencourt, died defending his life. The president decreed, under a state of siege, for the Distrito Federal
Distrito Federal
Distrito Federal may refer to:*Mexican Federal District*Brazilian Federal District-See also:*Distrito Capital: Bogotá Capital District*Distrito Capital: Venezuelan Capital District...
(Rio de Janeiro (City) and Niterói
Niterói
Niterói is a municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeast region of Brazil. It has an estimated population of 487,327 inhabitants and an area of ², being the sixth most populous city in the state and the highest Human Development Index. Integrates the Metropolitan Region of Rio de...
) so you may get rid of the most troublesome opponents.
The difficult economic and financial crisis inherited from the encilhamento, stressed in his administration, mainly because of military spending, increasing debt with foreign creditors.
With the advice of his ministers of finance, Rodrigues Alves and Bernardino de Campos, negotiated with the British bankers to consolidate debt, financial transaction known as funding loan, based on the policy implemented by Joaquim Murtinho within four years.
In foreign policy, the boundary question with Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
arbitrated by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, was resolved favorably to Brazil. Historian ascribe that diplomatic success to the efforts and dilligence of the Brazilian Government's representative, the Baron
Baron
Baron is a title of nobility. The word baron comes from Old French baron, itself from Old High German and Latin baro meaning " man, warrior"; it merged with cognate Old English beorn meaning "nobleman"...
of Rio Branco
Rio Branco
Rio Branco is a Brazilian city, capital of Acre. Located in the Valley of Acre in northern Brazil, it is the most populous county in the state, with 305,954 inhabitants, according to a 2009 estimate - almost half the state population....
, appointed by Moraes to lead the Brazilian delegation in the arbitration process.