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Prudente de MoraesThird President of Brazil (1894-1898)
Date of Birth: 04.10.1841
Country:  Brazil |
Content:
- Prudente de Morais: Brazil's First Elected President
- Political Career
- Governor and Senator
- Presidential Election
- Canudos Rebellion
- Foreign Policy
- Legacy
Prudente de Morais: Brazil's First Elected President
Early Life and EducationPrudente José de Morais e Barros was born on October 4, 1841, in Itu, São Paulo, Brazil. He graduated from the Law School of São Paulo in 1863 and moved to Piracicaba to practice law.
Political Career
Morais's political journey began in 1865 when he joined the Liberal Party and was elected to the municipal council of Piracicaba. In 1873, he switched to the Republican Party.
Governor and Senator
In 1889-1890, Morais served as governor of São Paulo. He then became a senator and was vice speaker from 1891 to 1894.
Presidential Election
On March 1, 1894, Brazil held its first presidential election. Morais ran as the Republican Party candidate and won with 276,583 votes. He was inaugurated on November 15, 1894, becoming Brazil's third president.
Canudos Rebellion
During Morais's presidency, the Canudos Rebellion erupted in northeastern Bahia. The rebellion, led by Antônio Conselheiro, was fueled by poverty and government neglect. Government forces ultimately crushed the rebellion in 1897 after heavy fighting.
Foreign Policy
Morais's administration also managed diplomatic issues, including border disputes with Argentina, restoration of relations with Portugal, and resistance to British territorial claims.
Legacy
Morais's presidency was pivotal in Brazil's political development. He was the first president elected by popular vote and the first from a civilian background. The city of Presidente Prudente in São Paulo is named in his honor. Morais died on December 3, 1902, in Piracicaba.
