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Deodoro da Fonseca

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His Excellency
Deodoro da Fonseca
Official portrait, 1889
Official portrait, 1889
1st President of Brazil
In office
25 February 1891 – 23 November 1891
Vice President Floriano Peixoto (Feb–Nov 1891)
Preceded by Pedro II (Emperor)
Succeeded by Floriano Peixoto
President of the Military Club
In office
26 June 1887 – 15 November 1889
Preceded by Office established
Succeeded by Benjamin Constant
President of Rio Grande do Sul
In office
8 May 1886 – 9 November 1886
Preceded by Baron of Lucena
Succeeded by Miguel Calmon
Personal details
Born 5 August 1827
Alagoas da Lagoa do Sul, Alagoas, Empire of Brazil
Died 23 August 1892 (aged 65)
Rio de Janeiro, Federal District, Brazil
Party Independent
Spouse Mariana da Fonseca
(m. 1860)
Relations Hermes da Fonseca (nephew)
Parent(s) Manuel Mendes da Fonseca Galvão (father)
Rosa Maria Paulina de Barros Cavalcanti (mother)
Alma mater Military School of Praia Vermelha
Military service
Allegiance Empire of Brazil
Brazil
Branch/service Brazilian Army
Years of service 1843–1892
Rank Generalíssimo (Army)
Almirantíssimo (Navy)
Commands See list
1st Foot Artillery Battalion
24th Volunteer Corps of the Fatherland
1st Mounted Artillery Regiment
Command of Arms of Bahia
Command of Arms of Rio Grande do Sul
Army Quartermaster
Command of Arms of Mato Grosso
Battles/wars See list
Praieira Revolt
Uruguayan War
Paraguayan War Battle of Estero Bellaco
Battle of Tuyutí
Battle of Potrero Obella
Battle of Taji
Siege of Humaitá
Battle of Angostura
Battle of Piribebuy
Brazilian Naval Revolts
Awards Order of the Southern Cross

Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca[1] (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. He died less than a year later.

Early life, 1827–1843

Birth and family

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 possibly dated back to Dutch Brazil.[2]

Mendes Fonseca was military officer in charge of the province of Alagoas in 1831. His career was turbulent, repeatedly losing and regaining the trust of the government over the course of 8 years. In 1839, he participated in a failed provincial revolt which was spurred in opposition to Maceió being made the provincial capital of Alagoas.[3] He was arrested on 20 December 1839 and was held in confinement at the Fortress of Villegaignon until 9 April 1840.[4] Fortunately for him, the rebellion did not leave a high death toll, and politicians lobbied for its perpetrators' penalties to be lessened.[5] His trial was initially to be held in Rio de Janeiro, but it was later decided it would be held in Alagoas. There, he was acquitted by the jury and exonerated of all criminal records.[6] He was elected to public office thereafter. His military career ended in 1846, and he retired to private life, dying in 1859.[7] Júnior believes that the 1839 revolt was a truamatizing event for young Deodoro, influencing his later indecision in the days leading up to the Proclamation of the Republic.[8]

Early military career, 1843–1858

In 1843, Deodoro entered the military school of Rio de Janeiro when he was 16, following in the footsteps of his 7 siblings who had distinguished themselves in military service.[9] On 18 April 1845, he attained the status of first class cadet. and in 1847 he completed his military studies. In the subsequent years, he was posted to Pernambuco.[10]

There, he participated in the quelling of the Praieira revolt (1848–1849) His unit, rather than launching an attack against the rebel forces, waited for the rebels to move south. Their predictions were proven correct when rebellion leader Pedro Ivo launched an attack down Recife from the north on 2 February 1849. He was eventually overwhelmed by imperial forces, and was forced to retreat further into the interior as his forces were continually pursued.[11] Following this, Deodoro participated in two more battles against the rebels before the uprising was entirely crushed.[12] His bravery was greatly commended by his senior commandants.[7] Later that year he also led military forces which repressed an uprising in Rio Formoso. For all these actions he was promoted to a first lieutenant of artillery on 30 April 1852.[13]

However, for various actions of insubordination, he was imprisoned several times between 1852 and 1853, which led to him being transferred to a unit in Rio de Janeiro in 1854.[14] There, he served in the Fortaleza de Santa Cruz for several months. Later, he was designated as adjutant and secretary of the Engineer Battalion in 1855.[15] On 2 December 1856, he was promoted to captain and posted to Sao Paulo where he served as a subordinate to the Minister of War.[16] In 1858, he returned to Rio de Janeiro, and was given command of a batch of students in military school who were training to be part of the Engineer Battalion.[15]

Interlude, 1858–1864

In 1860, Deodoro was transferred to Mato Grosso, where he served as the governor's (Antônio Pedro de Alencastro) aide-de-camp. When he arrived in Cuiabá, he met Mariana Cecília de Sousa Meireles, who became his wife. She was one year older than him at the time. Shortly after they met, the two married on 16 April.[17]

In 1862, however, the couple separated as Deodoro had to return to Rio de Janeiro that year. After taking sick leave for a few months in early 1863 due to an enduring case of Bronchitis, Deodoro was appointed as instructor to the national guards of the Fortaleza de Santa Cruz.[18] In 1864, he was assigned to an expeditionary force headed towards Río de la Plata, where Uruguayan local leaders had been causing disturbances on the border.[19]

Paraguayan War, 1864–1870

In 1864, Brazilian troops militarily intervened in the Uruguayan political crisis. Paraguay's dictator, Fransisco Antonio Lopez, was alarmed by this as he perceived it as a sign that Brazil was aiming to resolve border problems through military force. Concerned that his country would be next, he declared war on Brazil.[20]

Later career, 1870–1889

As governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Fonseca was courted by republican intellectuals such as Benjamin Constant and Ruy Barbosa in the café society of São Paulo. In 1886, alerted that the imperial government was ordering the arrest of prominent republicans, Fonseca went to Rio de Janeiro and assumed leadership of the army faction that supported the abolition of slavery in Brazil.

Emperor Pedro II had advocated the abolition of slavery for decades, freeing his own slaves in 1840, but he believed slavery should be done away with slowly to avoid damaging the Brazilian economy. The government, nominally headed by his daughter, Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil, abolished slavery entirely in 1888, during her third regency while her father was away from the country. Enraged oligarchs played a role in the subsequent coup d'état. Fonseca's prestige placed him at the head of the military coup that deposed the emperor on 15 November 1889, and he was briefly the head of the provisional government that called a Constituent Congress to draft a new constitution for a republic. Soon, however, he was in conflict with the civilian republican leaders. His election as president on 25 February 1891, by a narrow plurality, was backed with military pressure on Congress.

Presidency, 1889–1891

Internal politics

From 1889–1891, Deodoro led a provisional government. His first cabinet was stuffed with high-ranking republican politicians, who had lofty aspirations but were inexperienced in official service. Some, like Rui Barbosa understood the theoretical workings of the republican system in the United States. Though excluding Quintino Bocaiuva, nobody was acquainted with the practical workings of a republican system in the Americas.[21]

Cognizant of the fact that he lacked administrative skill, Deodoro gave his ministers free reign over their respective ministries within the first month of the republic. This was taken further when a Council of Ministers was created by Deodoro and his contemporaries, which would take on an executive function for the following six months.[22]

A sense of sceptical incertitude remained after the 15 November coup. This was because of long-held fears that a counter revolution would be launched. Deodoro's oldest brother, Hermes Ernesto da Fonseca was believed to be a potential conspirator in the future as he had protested against the coup.[23] But these unrests were eased following the departure of the royal family on 18 November.[24]

On 17 November, the imperial senate was dissolved through military force, following an aborted meeting held on the previous day where they had discussed rumors of their imprisonment.[25]

The governmental transition went smoothly within its first month. The proclamation of the republic was endorsed by the legislature while many provincial governors ceded control to republican forces. Though many of the empire's politicians were removed, a small number of them thrived under the new regime.[26]

The political scene tensed up on December 18, when a minor uprising, involving the raising of the imperial flag, occurred in Rio de Janeiro which was quickly repressed by military forces. This alarmed the republican government, which began to fear potential conspiracies and protests.[27] In the aftermath, ten soldiers were nearly given the death penalty, though their sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.[28]

Additionally, Pedro II had refused a large monetary donation granted to him by the government, (which had been intended to help him acclimate to his new life in Europe). The administration was troubled by this, believing his action could stoke monarchist morale as they could perceive it as a signal that he was still in opposition to the republic. Alarmed by these fears, a state of siege was declared in the country. Properties of the royal family were sold, and personal enemies of Deodoro were exiled.[29]

Press censorship

On December 23, martial law was declared.[30] On the same day, executive decrees were put into place which created a military tribunal to judge civilians accused of promoting subversive activities. The law informally ended any discussion of political affairs in the press.[31]

Any newspaper deemed to be spreading “false news and alarming reports” would be ordered to cease its publications.[32] The decision to stifle press freedom garnered Deodoro animosity from Brazil's literate population.[31] The Tribuna Liberal, the single opposition newspaper in Rio de Janeiro was forced to close down.[29] Other influential periodicals continually pushed against these restrictions, leading to the arrests of their editors.[33]

On 31 March 1890, a formal decree on press censorship was instituted, named the "the corking decree", which aimed to end the criticism the government had been receiving from the press. But denunciation of the administration continued regardless.[34]

Ministerial in-fighting

In early 1890, two ministers, Demetrio Ribeiro and Aristides Lobo resigned from Deodoro's ministry, both due to council infighting. The former resigned after Rui Barbosa, Deodoro's Minister of Finance attempted to force the passing of a bill by threatening his resignation if it failed to pass; while the latter later followed suit following a disagreement with Deodoro over some suggested appointees to the cabinet. On February 8, Benjamin Constant proposed to the council that Deodoro assume dictatorial powers and that council members be reassigned as secretaries. His proposition was rebuked.[35]

As the press continued to critise Deodoro and his government, the former became increasingly vexed at his situation. He even offered to resign in a letter sent to Rui Barbosa on 6 May (though Barbosa was able to persuade him otherwise):[36]

The high office with which I have been invested is impossible for me considering that I do not have the patience of Job, nor desire the martyrdom of Jesus Christ. I consider myself without sufficient stamina to continue in such an office. [...] I am returning to my quarters, where I will be found, when, in matters dealing with my profession, there is need of an old soldier.

Simmons believes that Deodoro perhaps reached a breaking point following a controversy in which his Foreign Affairs Minister, Bocaiuva, threatened to resign. This had came about when Deodoro attempted to crack down on robbery and brawlers, which had been prevalent social issues of the empire. Many of these people had connections with members of prominent military and political groups. The bandit Jose Elysio dos Reis, for example, was the son[37] of Count Mattosinhos, proprietor of the newspaper Paiz.[38] Bocaiuva served as the newspaper's editor, and on the count's request, gave a guarantee that Elysio would not be imprisoned. But Deodoro refused to bestow a special status on Elysio and imprisoned him. As such, Bocaiuva threatened to resign if he was not freed on 10 April. On 12 April, Campos Sales another council member, joined Bocaiuva in demanding that Elysio be released, using his resignation as a threat if not.[39]

On 28 November 1890, the offices of La Tribuna were raided by a group of 40 soldiers. Several people were injured, including one who was killed.[40] Subsequently, the republican ministry threatened resignation if the perpetrators were not apprehended and if promises of civil liberties were not more vigorously enforced,[41] though they retained their positions after Deodoro countered by threatening his resignation.[42]

Decrees of the government

The government passed many reforms through executive decree, which drew criticism from both republicans and non-republicans.[43] The first decree, passed on 16 November established federalism as the mode of goverment.[44] Following this, other decrees were passed which:[45]

  • Expanded the electorate to include all literate males
  • Legalised civil marriage
  • Separated church and state
  • Gave greater power to the government in administrating states
  • Dissolved provincial assemblies
  • Made amendments to the civil code

Known as the "great naturalisation", on 14 December, all foreign nationals were decreed to be given Brazilian citizenship (unless they refused it within six months).[46]

Establishment of the Constituent Assembly

Charged with the writing of a new constitution,[47] a constituent assembly was elected on 15 September 1890.[48] The La Tribuna incident heightened civilian fears regarding the security of their civil rights, and they hoped that the new organ would implement civilian rule.[49] The selection process was tightly controlled by the government, leading to many government candidates being nominated, comprising a quarter of the total nominees.[50] Nevertheless, it passed a motion to indict the perpetrators of the La Tribuna attack after its formation.[41]

Death

He died in Rio de Janeiro on 23 August 1892. He was stricken with perilous bouts of dyspnea, popularly referred to as "shortness of breath", and was buried in a family grave in the Caju Cemetery. However, in 1937, his remains were unearthed and transferred to a monument in Praça Paris, Rio de Janeiro.

Fonseca has been portrayed twice by Brazilian actor and voice actor Castro Gonzaga in the miniseries Abolição (1988) and República (1989) respectively.

See also

  • List of presidents of Brazil
  • Revolta da Armada

References

  1. Back to citation (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation: [mɐnuˈɛw deoˈdɔɾu da fõˈsekɐ])
  2. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 40.
  3. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 40–41.
  4. Back to citation Amaral 2003, p. 47.
  5. Back to citation Júnior 1957, Vol. 1, p. 18–19.
  6. Back to citation Lemos, p. 1.
  7. Back to citation occurrence 7.0 Back to citation occurrence 7.1 Simmons 1966, p. 41.
  8. Back to citation Júnior 1957, Vol. 1, p. 20.
  9. Back to citation Júnior 1957, Vol. 1, p. 41.
  10. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 41; Lemos, p. 1.
  11. Back to citation Júnior 1957, Vol.1, p. 37.
  12. Back to citation Júnior 1957, Vol. 1, p. 38, 41.
  13. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 41–42.
  14. Back to citation Júnior 1957, Vol. 1, p. 42; Lemos, p. 1.
  15. Back to citation occurrence 15.0 Back to citation occurrence 15.1 Simmons 1966, p. 42.
  16. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 42; Lemos, p. 1.
  17. Back to citation Amaral 2003, p. 54–55.
  18. Back to citation Júnior 1957, Vol. 1, p. 46; Lemos, p. 2.
  19. Back to citation Silva 2004, p. 57.
  20. Back to citation Júnior 1957, Vol. 1, p. 52.
  21. Back to citation Bello 1964, p. 58.
  22. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 141–142.
  23. Back to citation During the revolution, he had advised Pedro II to flee into the interior in order to gather a rebel force. Amaral 2003, p. 159.
  24. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 138.
  25. Back to citation Amaral 2003, p. 161.
  26. Back to citation Bello 1964, p. 63; Amaral 2003, p. 161.
  27. Back to citation Hahner 1966, p. 36.
  28. Back to citation Carone 1983, p. 32.
  29. Back to citation occurrence 29.0 Back to citation occurrence 29.1 Hahner 1966, p. 37.
  30. Back to citation Ribeiro 2021, p. 169.
  31. Back to citation occurrence 31.0 Back to citation occurrence 31.1 Simmons 1966, p. 142.
  32. Back to citation Hahner 1966, p. 38.
  33. Back to citation Carone 1983, p. 33.
  34. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 144.
  35. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 143.
  36. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 144–145.
  37. Back to citation Simmons attests that Elysio was the brother of the Count, Simmons 1966, p. 145. though other sources support Bello. "O 'Chausson/Savate' influenciou a capoeira?" (in Portuguese). Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  38. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 145; Bello 1964, p. 71.
  39. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 145–146.
  40. Back to citation Hahner 1966, p. 38; Simmons 1966, p. 147–148.
  41. Back to citation occurrence 41.0 Back to citation occurrence 41.1 Hahner 1966, p. 41.
  42. Back to citation Simmons 1966, p. 148.
  43. Back to citation Hill 1947, p. 64.
  44. Back to citation Bello 1964, p. 56.
  45. Back to citation Hill 1947, p. 64; Simmons 1966, p. 139–141.
  46. Back to citation Lemos, p. 19; Bello 1964, p. 69–70.
  47. Back to citation Bello 1964, p. 77.
  48. Back to citation Amaral 2003, p. 162.
  49. Back to citation Hahner 1966, p. 39.
  50. Back to citation Hahner 1966, p. 40.

Bibliography

Biographies

Presidential studies

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