Communist uprising of 1935

Quick Facts: Who was Communist uprising of 1935?

Subject:

Communist uprising of 1935

Known for:

A 1935 military revolt in Brazil led by communists against Getúlio Vargas's government.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Brazilian communist uprising (Portuguese: Intentona Comunista) was a military revolt in Brazil led by Luís Carlos Prestes and leftist low-rank military against Getúlio Vargas's government on behalf of the National Liberation Alliance (Aliança Nacional Libertadora - ANL). It took place in the cities of Natal, Recife, and the capital Rio de Janeiro between 23 and 27 November 1935. The uprising was supported by the Brazilian Communist Party (PCB), then called the Communist Party of Brazil, and the Communist International. In July 1934, with the approval of Brazil's new constitution and the election of Vargas, the country entered a period of constitutional normality, although no one was satisfied. President Getúlio Vargas declared himself against the constitutional regime despite his authoritative role.

Career & Major Achievements

Other opposing factions within Brazil's politics shared his point of view that the new government was weak and thus began to plot its overthrow. The plot to overthrow the government was begun in 1934 by disgraced military officers who lost power and prestige as a result of collaborating with former Brazilian president Artur Bernardes during the Revolution of 1930. Using their position within the military, conspirators began an effort to siphon military weapons from police forces and recruited military men of sergeant rank and below to form a combat force. These efforts gave the revolutionaries connections to most garrisons in the country by October 1934, although three factions would form within the revolutionary movement, causing a clash of ideas. The first group, based in São Paulo, was led by military officers and civilians seeking social reform.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The second faction was made up of military personnel who shared authoritarian ideals, while the third was composed of communists within the military, both enlisted and officers. The movement during this time would find itself infiltrated by the Communist International (Comintern), MI6 agent Johann Heinrich Amadeus de Graaf, and Vargas' government. Filinto Muller, an officer loyal to Vargas based in the Federal District, learned of the conspiracy against the government as early as October 1934. Senior military leaders were rightfully fearful that the communist element in their midst would take over their movement. The Brazilian Communist Party, which was then called the Communist Party of Brazil, began its efforts to take control of the movement by January 1935 after the planning for an uprising caught the attention of the Soviet Union.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1934: 1934 Milestone — In July 1934, with the approval of Brazil's new constitution and the election of Vargas, the country entered a period of constitutional normality, although no one was satisfied.
2. 1935: 1935 Milestone — It took place in the cities of Natal, Recife, and the capital Rio de Janeiro between 23 and 27 November 1935.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Communist uprising of 1935

True or False: “The National Liberation Alliance (ANL) was formed primarily to support the existing constitutional regime in Brazil.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The ANL was formed as a popular front inspired by European movements specifically to prevent Nazi-fascist political advances and challenge Vargas's growing authoritarianism.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 14th Dalai Lama — Historical peer (Born in 1935) (1935): Spiritual leader of Tibet and head of Tibetan Buddhism since 1940.
• Abdou Diouf — Historical peer (Born in 1935) (1935): Senegalese politician who served as President of Senegal from 1981 to 2000.
• Abdullah Ibrahim — Historical peer (Born in 1934) (1934): Pianist and composer, considered the leading figure in the subgenre of Cape jazz.
• Abimael Guzmán — Historical peer (Born in 1934) (1934): Peruvian Maoist revolutionary leader, founder of the Shining Path.

Frequently Asked Questions about Communist uprising of 1935