The Politics of Military Rule in Brazil, 1964-1985

The Politics of Military Rule in Brazil examines the two-decade period when Brazil was under military dictatorship, from the 1964 coup through the return to civilian rule in 1985. The book draws on archival records, media coverage, and interviews to document the political dynamics between military leaders, opposition groups, and economic forces during this era. The narrative traces key policy decisions, power struggles within the military regime, and the evolving relationship between Brazil's government and its citizens. Skidmore analyzes the economic "miracle" years of the late 1960s, periods of intense repression, and the gradual process of political opening known as abertura. Students of Latin American history and democratic transitions will find a comprehensive framework for understanding how military rule functioned in Brazil and what factors contributed to its eventual end. The work stands as an essential text for examining how authoritarian regimes operate, adapt, and ultimately give way to civilian governance.

Readers describe this as a detailed factual account of Brazil's military regime, based on extensive research and interviews. Many readers note its value as a reference text for understanding Brazilian politics during this period. Likes: - Clear chronological organization - Deep coverage of economic policies and their effects - Balanced treatment of different political factions - Thorough documentation and sourcing - Accessible writing for non-specialists Dislikes: - Some sections focus heavily on economic minutiae - Limited coverage of social movements and resistance - Minimal discussion of US involvement - Dense academic prose in certain chapters Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (38 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (6 ratings) One academic reviewer noted: "Skidmore presents complex political developments with remarkable clarity, though at times the economic analysis overshadows other important aspects of the period."

The Military and Politics in Modern Brazil by Alfred Stepan A detailed examination of the Brazilian military's political ideology and institutional development from 1945-1964, providing context for the subsequent military dictatorship.

State and Opposition in Military Brazil by Maria Helena Moreira Alves Documents the mechanisms of state control and repression during Brazil's military regime through institutional records and resistance movements.

The Right-Wing Military Government in Brazil by Richard Bourne Chronicles Brazil's transition from democracy to authoritarian rule through analysis of military leadership, economic policies, and international relations.

Combative Church: A Study of Brazil During Military Rule by Charles Antoine Explores the Catholic Church's role as both supporter and opponent of Brazil's military regime through documentation of clergy-state relations.

The Last Latin American Revolution: The Brazilian Military Regime by Jordan M. Young Presents the Brazilian military dictatorship within the broader context of Latin American military governments and Cold War politics.

🌟 Author Thomas Skidmore learned Portuguese by listening to Brazilian soccer broadcasts while teaching at Harvard University 📚 The book reveals that President João Goulart was watching "Gunsmoke" on TV when he learned military forces were moving against him in the 1964 coup 🏛️ Brazil's military regime was unique among Latin American dictatorships for maintaining a functioning (though restricted) Congress throughout most of its rule 💰 During the "Economic Miracle" period (1968-1973) covered in the book, Brazil's economy grew at an average rate of 11% per year 🗣️ The Brazilian military government created its own propaganda agency, AERP, which coined famous slogans like "Brazil: Love it or Leave it" - directly inspired by similar American phrases during the Vietnam War era