Post-WW2 and Military Dictatorship Flashcards
When did Brazil discover oil and how was it managed?
1950s, most of their oil offshore, difficult to explore and extract, 1953 created national petroleum company (similar to PAMEX in Mexico)
How did Brazil and the US grow increasingly similar post-WW2?
Growth in technology, population, consumerism, capitalism, urbanisation, large internal (domestic) markets due to large population, “economies of scale”, Brazil 5th largest territory in the world (1/2 country in the tropics), large amount of natural resources available, oil, agribusiness, entrepreneurship (educated in US)
How did the newly elected President seek special treatment from the US?
President Dutra, wrote new constitution 1945/6, wanted special treatment for cooperation in WW2, wanted permanent seat on Security Council (only 5 permanent seats, went to China instead of Brazil, (4) US, UK, USSR, France) USSR thought Brazil would always agree with US).
How did the Truman’s Presidency undermine the US-Brazilian relationship?
Felt he didn’t need to live up to FDR’s policies, Brazil made a lot of money during the war, could use that for development, had agriculture and mining, Brazil exports to US and Europe. Brazil objects, wants to industrialise. Didn’t live up to all of their Land-Lease promises, wanted more arms, worried about traditional rivalry with Argentina. US made arm sale to Argentina late 1940s, damaged relationship. US focus on Europe - Marshall Plan (1947), Latin American got virtually no assistance. US argued Brazil contribution was not that deep, quickly withdrew from Italy.
How did the Cold War impact the Brazilian-US relationship?
Consumed US foreign policy, how anti-communist was Brazil? Nationalistic, communist not strong party, Brazil outlawed the party to pacify US hoping it would get them weapons, US too focused on Europe.
What happened in the 1950 Brazilian elections?
Vargas wins 5 year term, more nationalistic agenda than predecessor, pro-industrialisation, nationalisation of the army, almost landslide victory, strenuous campaign, first modern election campaign in Brazilian history. US approached Vargas for troops to contribute to Korean War (1950-3), refuses.
How did Vargas’ nationalistic policies impact Brazil’s relationship with the US?
Nationalised US companies, 1953 petroleum nationalised despite US opposition, strained relationship with US and Vargas/Brazil. Indicated Vargas wouldn’t be a US puppet leader.
How did Vargas’ Presidency end?
1954 about to be overthrown again, commits suicide in office to avoid humiliation, wrote lengthy letter, was broadcast, became a martyr despite declining public popularity, became beloved President in 20th Century.
How did the new Brazilian President continue Vargas’ nationalist policies?
JK, young man, believed in industrialisation, pushed harder for this than Vargas, picked up his policies, “50 years progress in 5”, VW set up car factory in Brazil, built Brasilia (new capital), infrastructure, hydro-electric dams. Inaugurated Brasilia 1960, Brazil rapid growth over 5 years. JK had difficulty finding investment, approached US who refused and recommended he went to private corporations.
What was Operation Pan-America? Why did it fail to launch?
Investment programme for Latin America, falling behind Europe which was rebuilt by Marshall Plan, wanted funding from US, using their money on Cold War policy, Eisenhower gave $1bn for bank (IA-DB) that would provide funding for public schemes in Latin America.
How did the 1960s election further distance Brazil from the US?
President Quadros, wanted to distance both countries, can’t just follow USA’s foreign policy, need to make own decisions in their best interest, sent ambassadors to Africa to branch out foreign relations.
After the 1959 Cuban Revolution how did US policy towards Brazil change?
Quadros went to Cuba prior to election, Cuba anti-US policies, nationalising companies, standing up to US. 1961 Quadros invites Che Guevara to Brazil and gave him a Presidential medal. US alarmed. Domino Theory, starting to focus on the American continent after the Revolution.
After Quadros resignation eight months later how was his successor, Goulart, overthrown?
Goulart told US he’s not communist, wanted cooperation, new JFK administration suspected Goulart. Brazil not aligned with US, overthrew regimes that were too nationalistic. Us military supported coup against Goulart in 1964 that introduced a military regime. Goulart had promised to carry out land reforms which threatened land owners. Meant to be short military rule, wanted to get rid of leftist policies and hold elections in 1965.
Why did the military regime maintain power?
New general in 1966, wanted to maintain military rule to improve economy (100% inflation) and stop communist influences, clean up political system, quagmire, got deeper into the system and military rule continued. People protested, guerrilla/urban guerrilla warfare. By 1970 full dictatorship, death squads, kill opposition, censorship, lasted until 1985.
Why didn’t the US oppose Brazil’s military dictatorship?
LBJ didn’t want another Cuba. Military stopped communism. Saw negatives of the regime, policies have high price for the poor. US recognised government after 1964 coup and provided money for government programmes. Coup would have happened without US support, had public support. US tied up in Vietnam by 1966. It became clear it was a totalitarian regime but US had no leverage to end it.
