POLC91H3 Lecture Notes - Humberto De Alencar Castelo Branco, Casus Belli
Document Summary
Characteristics of the military regimes of the 1960s and 70s: Blamed the poor state of their countries on politicians (anti-political) Military leader prioritized national security and were preoccupied with internal subversion. Employed systematic use of repression against civilians, including torture, assassinations and disappearances. Factors leading to democratic breakdown: breakdown of consensus among political elites. Idea: military would break the impasse, and allow for the return to functional civilian governance. b)abuse of authority by incumbent governments. Radicalized opposition, providing a casus belli for military intervention c)abuse of democratic processes by a disloyal opposition: polarization of social classes. As economic resources dwindle, greater divide between classes (i. e: workers against industrialist class). Lower profits led to lower wages, greater discontent among the workers. Instilled fear within middle class, which sides with upper classes: frustration with the pace of change through constitution procedures. Isi reached limits wrt to the limited market available: international context.
