RevoltoftheArmada

The Revolta da Armada was an uprising of the Brazilian Navy that took place in two phases, between 1891 and 1894, in Rio de Janeiro. Already in the early years of the Republic, the first movement broke out, against the presidency of Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca. Unable to negotiate with the state delegations, especially with the coffee growers of São Paulo, he shut down the National Congress. The Armada, the name given to the Navy at the time, rebelled and threatened to attack the federal capital. To avoid facing likely defeat in a war, Deodoro resigned on November 23, bringing an end to the First Revolta da Armada.

Image description: This is a historic black-and-white photograph, dated 1893, showing a loyalist troop demonstrating the handling of a cannon. The image is divided into two main parts: the cannon and the soldiers around it. On the left side, we see two men holding ropes connected to the cannon. In the center, there is a large artillery cannon, positioned on a metal base. On the right, other soldiers watch the cannon attentively. In the background, a group of men in military uniforms stand watching the demonstration. The scene is surrounded by sandbags, possibly used to protect the area during the exercises.

Vice President Floriano Peixoto took office and was supposed to call elections within a two-year period. However, this did not happen. Custódio de Melo, a rear admiral and future presidential candidate, opposed the new situation, and figures associated with the monarchy, such as Admiral Saldanha da Gama, joined the movement against Floriano.

Saldanha da Gama, the admiral who joined the movement against Floriano, is honored in the song Saldanha da Gama - Campos, 1902

In addition to the accusations against the Florianist policy, which failed to pacify regional rivalries, Navy officers felt undervalued in relation to the Army – the institution of origin of the first two presidents, Deodoro da Fonseca and Floriano Peixoto. Thus began the Second Revolt of the Armada.

Image description: This is an old black-and-white photograph. In the image, we see a group of people in military uniforms standing near a large cannon. The scene is located on a plot of land with dense vegetation in the background. On the right, there are sandbags stacked up, possibly to protect the cannon. In the center, the cannon is mounted on a wooden platform with large wheels. On the left, three men have their backs to the camera, while two others are facing forward, looking at the cannon. The ground is sandy and barren. In the lower corner of the image, there is an inscription that reads "Bateria de S. Paulo - Fortaleza de S. João".

On September 13, the bombing of the forts along the Rio de Janeiro coastline held by the Army began. The fleet was made up of 16 Navy vessels and 14 civilian ships, confiscated from Brazilian and foreign companies to support the rebel forces. Although they were the majority within the Navy, the rebels had no popular support and faced strong opposition within the Army, with thousands of young volunteers joining battalions in support of the president.

Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph showing the remains of a damaged building. On the left side, we see a partially destroyed structure with broken walls and a collapsed roof. In front, people are sitting and standing, some holding photographic equipment. In the center, more people are gathered around a pile of rubble. On the right, the building continues in ruins, with debris scattered across the area. In the background, we see an even more damaged structure. At the bottom of the image, it reads "RUINAS DE VILLEGAGNON" and "J. GUTIERREZ A.de G.DIAS".

The government suppressed both revolts with the support of the population, resulting in the consolidation of the Republic and the strengthening of Floriano Peixoto as a political leader, which earned him the nickname "Iron Marshal."