Contestado War

Quick Facts: Who was Contestado War?

Subject:

Contestado War

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A 1912–1916 guerrilla land war in Southern Brazil between settlers and landowners.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Contestado War (Portuguese: Guerra do Contestado), broadly speaking, was a guerrilla war for land between settlers and landowners, the latter supported by the Brazilian state's police and military forces, that lasted from October 1912 to August 1916. It was fought in an inland southern region of the country, rich in wood and yerba mate, that was called Contestado because it was contested by the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina as well as Argentina. The war had its casus belli in the social conflicts in the region, the result of local disobediences, particularly regarding the regularization of land ownership on the part of the caboclos. The conflict was permeated by religious fanaticism expressed by the messianism and faith of the rebellious caboclos that they were engaged in a religious war; at the same time, it reflected the dissatisfaction of the population with its material situation. The Contestado War is often considered to have many roots in the influence of three monks of the region.

Career & Major Achievements

The first who rose to prominence was João Maria D'Agostini, a man of Italian origin, who wandered, preaching and attending to the sick, from 1844 to 1870. He lived a very simple life, and his ethics and lifestyle attracted thousands of followers. Although many sources say he died in 1870, he actually left Brazil in 1852; after traveling in Mexico, Cuba, and Canada, he was killed in April, 1869; in Mesilla, New Mexico, USA. The second monk also adopted the alias of João Maria, although his real name was Atanás Marcaf, probably of Syrian origin. He appeared to the public during the Federalist Revolution of 1893; where he belonged to the Maragato faction, and projected a firm and even messianic stature.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He even made prophecies about the political events of his time. He was active in the region between the Iguaçu and Uruguay rivers. In addition to his religious activities, he would also gain a reputation as a healer before disappearing from the region in 1908. In 1912, A third monk came to the notice of the public in the region. He was initially known as an herbal healer, having presented himself under the name of José Maria de Santo Agostinho.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1844: 1844 Milestone — The first who rose to prominence was João Maria D'Agostini, a man of Italian origin, who wandered, preaching and attending to the sick, from 1844 to 1870.
2. 1870: 1870 Milestone — Although many sources say he died in 1870, he actually left Brazil in 1852; after traveling in Mexico, Cuba, and Canada, he was killed in April, 1869; in Mesilla, New Mexico, USA.
3. 1893: 1893 Milestone — He appeared to the public during the Federalist Revolution of 1893; where he belonged to the Maragato faction, and projected a firm and even messianic stature.
4. 1908: 1908 Milestone — In addition to his religious activities, he would also gain a reputation as a healer before disappearing from the region in 1908.
5. 1912: 1912 Milestone — The Contestado War (Portuguese: Guerra do Contestado), broadly speaking, was a guerrilla war for land between settlers and landowners, the latter supported by the Brazilian state's police and military forces, that lasted from October 1912 to August 1916.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Contestado War

True or False: “The Contestado War was primarily a conflict over mineral rights discovered by foreign mining companies.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The war's primary cause stemmed from social conflicts regarding the regularization of land ownership and displacement due to infrastructure projects.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Contestado War