Independence, WW1, Great Depression Flashcards
How did Brazil attempt to strengthen its relationship with the US?
Brazil and US sent ambassadors to each other, US bought most of its coffee from Brazil, Brazil still buying textiles/machinery from Europe, US industrial revolution, surpassed GB as manufacturer.
Why did Brazil’s relationship with America change after overthrowing Pedro II in 1889?
1891 Brazilian constitution modelled on US (4yr President, 3 branches of government, states v. federal, Supreme Court), didn’t work, no experience with elections or democracy, undereducated, 8/10 illiterate. 1900s stronger alliance with US, Brazilian foreign minister wanted to strengthen relationship (“unwritten alliance”). US growing power, wanted to shift away from Europe and Africa. Wanted to follow USA’s upward trajectory.
Why did the US also want to strengthen its relationship with Brazil?
Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt Corollary 1905. Imperial policy, wanted expansion in Central America, saw parallels in US and Brazilian history. Brazil could be a bridge to South America. “Unwritten alliance” - never fully developed, cooperation, following same policies for a period.
How did Brazil respond to WW1 and the League of Nations?
1914 both countries neutral. 1917 US enter war after sinking of US ship. Brazil given seat of Security Council, no real military power, 1919 President Wilson and League of Nations, Brazil had no real status, dropped out in 1920s, US never joined.
How did the relationship between the two countries continue to strengthen during the 1920s?
More trade and cooperation. 1922 Brazil wrote contract with US to be a consultant, gave US navy base and training in Brazil, wanted more military recognition. US got naval contract from Brazil despite the UK having the leading navy post-WW1. 1929 Great Depression.
How did Brazil’s political system change in 1930?
G. Vargas led revolution, became President, powerful & productive figure in Brazilian history, expected recognition. Political and economic upheaval with Great Depression. No international loans, Brazil went into economic lockdown, dictatorial regime, violated constitution.
How did Brazilians react to the new dictatorship and Great Depression?
Sao Paulo (province), most prosperous state in Brazil, revolt in 1932, Vargas mobilised army, put revolt down in 3 months.
How did the US try to help the Brazilian economy?
Collapse of coffee market, US paying low prices for coffee, 1935 US and Brazil negotiate trade treaty, encouraged US to buy more coffee and Brazil bought more manufactured goods from US - lasted until WW2.
How had Brazil controlled the coffee market prior to the Great Depression?
1906 bumper coffee crop due to good weather conditions, 20% more than world consumed, would lead to drop in coffee prices, worked with broker in New York, withheld coffee to maintain prices, stored coffee in NY warehouses for 4-5 years, NY Attorney General sued them, violated anti-trust laws, suit dropped. Great Depression ended this system, government bought up the coffee and burned it in locomotives, dumped it at sea to show they would only accept reasonable prices.
How did the Great Depression encourage Brazil to industrialise? What problems did it face?
Began manufacturing goods they couldn’t import from US/Europe - stimulated industrialisation, full support from Vargas. Brazil had no petroleum at the time or an integral steel industry. Vargas formed oil commission to find oil. Approached US for funding to send a steel industry to Brazil, Brazil important to US security, strategic location, WW2, airbase to protect Panama Canal.
How did Vargas extend his political powers and how was his dictatorship regarded by Brazilians?
1937, Vargas carried out coup against Brazilian government, threw out constitution and implemented an authoritarian constitution (dictatorship). Got support from generals by giving them all the supplies they wanted. “Bland dictatorship” (joke) - fairly benevolent dictator.
