Origins & Early Life

Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca (5 August 1827 – 23 August 1892) was a Brazilian politician and military officer who served as the head of provisional government and the first president of Brazil. He was born in Alagoas in a military family, followed a military career, and became a national figure. Fonseca took office as provisional president after heading a military coup that deposed Emperor Pedro II and established the First Brazilian Republic in 1889, disestablishing the Empire. After his election in 1891, he stepped down the same year under great political pressure when he dissolved the National Congress.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He died less than a year later. Fonseca was born on 5 August 1827 in the city of Alagoas in the Empire of Brazil. He was the son of Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Mendes da Fonseca and his wife, Rosa Maria Paulina da Fonseca. Simmons notes that the origin of the Fonseca family could be traced back to Dutch Brazil. Mendes Fonseca was a military officer in charge of the province of Alagoas in 1831.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His career was turbulent, repeatedly resulting in him losing and regaining the trust of the government over the course of eight years. In 1839,...

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