Origins & Early Life

Washington Luís Pereira de Sousa (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈwɔʃĩtõ luˈis peˈɾejɾɐ dʒi ˈsowzɐ]; 26 October 1869 – 4 August 1957) was a Brazilian politician who served as the 13th president of Brazil. Elected governor of São Paulo state in 1920 and president of Brazil in 1926, Washington Luís belonged to the Republican Party of São Paulo (PRP) and served as the last president of the First Brazilian Republic. Facing the crisis generated by the Great Depression in the United States, the president lost almost all his support. He selected his friend Júlio Prestes as his successor in 1930, but just three weeks before the end of his term, Luís was overthrown in a coup d'état during the Revolution of 1930 and was succeeded as president by the short-lived Brazilian Military Junta in the last few months of 1930.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Luis was born in Macaé, Rio de Janeiro. He moved to São Paulo, where he was educated and graduated from the University of São Paulo Law School in 1891. He was appointed prosecutor in Barra Mansa, Rio de Janeiro in 1892, but resigned to devote himself to law in Batatais, São Paulo, where he began his political career. Luís was an alderman in Batatais with Federal...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• André Gide — Contemporary (Born in 1869) (1869): Pioneering French author, Nobel laureate known for exploring selfhood and transgression.
• Bill Haywood — Contemporary (Born in 1869) (1869): Pioneering American labor organizer and leader of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)
• Bogd Khan — Contemporary (Born in 1869) (1869): Spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and Khan of the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia.
• Aga Khan III — Contemporary (Died in 1957) (1957): 48th Imam of the Nizari Isma'ili community and founder of the All-India Muslim League.
• Aliko Dangote — Contemporary (Born in 1957) (1957): Nigerian billionaire founder of Dangote Group, a major industrial conglomerate.
• Arturo Toscanini — Contemporary (Died in 1957) (1957): Intense Italian conductor, master of orchestral detail, and pivotal figure in 20th-century music.
• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller — Shared historical date (10-26 · Born) (1874): American socialite and influential philanthropist, key patron of modern art.
• Akashi Motojiro — Shared historical date (10-26 · Died) (1919): General in the Imperial Japanese Army and Governor-General of Taiwan.
• Abigail Spencer — Shared historical date (08-04 · Born) (1981): American actress, producer, and writer known for roles in soap operas and dramas.
• Alan Mulally — Shared historical date (08-04 · Born) (1945): Aerospace executive credited with revitalizing Boeing and saving Ford Motor Company.
• 1869 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1869
• October 26 (10-26) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 26
• 1957 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1957
• August 4 (08-04) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 4