Diary of a Brazilian Male Rebel

January 13, 1889 Dear Diary, Today I have come to my final decision, after much contemplation, I have decided that the best decision at this time would be to join the revolution. I can admit that Pedro the second did good things for my country, which is why it was so hard to make my choice. Pedro helped to end the civil wars that plagued our country, he also expanded the economy, but I based my decision on the issues of the present not Pedro’s past accomplishments. I believe that a parliamentary republic would greatly help our country, and ultimately help me, I’m one of the working class, I’m the foundation of our country, and I am entitled to representation. With a monarchy the decisions are fast and sometimes effective, but a government that has more legislation would make better decisions that are for the people like me who work hard everyday. The policies of Pedro the second restricted have the individualism that the people of Brazil deserve. The fact that we are completely isolated from any political affairs whatsoever is very unappealing, because the poor and working class are not treated with respect in some of Pedro’s policies, and under a parliamentary government this would change. My decision is clear and supported, I am joining the revolution because of the lack or representation for the lower class people, the restricted individualism in our country under Pedro the second, and the laws that harm the lower class and show a lack of respect. In a parliamentary government representatives are elected by the people (this includes me), and make decisions to help the nation’s people. Pedro II definitely doesn’t show the same responsibility to the people as these officials that are obligated to represent us do. He has not addressed a multitude of issues that affect the lower class. Our people are plagued by illiteracy and I do not have the opportunity to learn the very useful and necessary art of reading. This would help me significantly, if I were ever to move up in this brutal world. Without the ability to understand important documents it becomes increasingly impossible to increase my income. Pedro also hasn’t made enough effort to help another part of the lower class, the farmers. They suffer from a lack of modern agriculture, and little almost no advancement has been made to help our farmers, it seems as if Pedro II thinks of them as unimportant. Lastly, another failure in Pedro’s reign is the low level of industrialization for the people of this nation. We live in a world that is constantly growing and becoming more advanced, without industrialization how will we compete, work the insignificant low class people harder?, I don’t think so. I base my decision on the fact that the lack of respect shown in Pedro II’s policies involving the lower class is astounding. Individualism is very important for a growing nation; this was first discovered during the renaissance where people finally broke away from the authority of the Catholic Church. What those great thinkers and philosophers did is a similar component to what will have to happen in this nation. We have our ability to be individuals, compete, and achieve social mobility restricted by, dowries, arranged marriages nepotism, godparenthood, and clientelism. Freedom of speech and expression are important but in order to achieve a state of complete individualism Brazilian citizens like me shouldn’t be held back by inconveniences like that. We need to change our policies for individualism regarding the people, and a parliamentary government that is for the people will clearly do a better job then Pedro II at resolving that. Lastly, and most importantly, the main deciding factor in my decision to join the rebellion is the fact that with Pedro II as a government official I have to fear for my life. Pedro has ignored the Squatters rights of frontier dwellers, because of this people like me who haven sworn fealty to an elite family can be taken to serve in the military. This is basically like giving me the death sentence even though I have not committed a crime. Not only is it inhumane but it shows the consistent lack of respect from Pedro the second, this is a critical issue that makes the parliamentary republic seem very appealing. These outrages have caused uprising and rebellion throughout my nation, these men are justified in fighting for their right to survival, and I will join them in their cause because of that. The policies of Pedro the second are outrageous regarding the rights of the middle/lower class. We are as human as the higher class citizens of this nation and we deserve the same human rights as them. A parliamentary government is for the people because of its legislative branch being chosen by the people. Those representatives are obligated to serve the people and because of this my position as a lower class worker can be made easier with the removal of the inhumane and harmful policies of Pedro II. This ensures that lower class citizens like me can enjoy the same freedom of not being taken forcefully into the army and executed by violent enemies. With the parliamentary government that the revolution ensures, I will be able to be an individual without the social restrictions implemented by Pedro II. The only threat to this revolution is if Pedro II is able to regain control of his military. My greatest fear if he is able to accomplish this, is the fact that he may increase the unjust laws regarding the lower class as an act of rage against our insubordination. But my hopes are still up because this revolution was sparked by the military, and it is very unlikely that the military officials will betray their own cause. Now my decision is official it is clear that because of Pedro the second’s failed policies that hurt me and other lower class citizens I will join the Revolution.

Scincerely, Juan Ramon