Group 5: Constance Eldridge, Saury Mejia, Ben Soltis, Hailey Watts The Brazilian Expedition Force in Italy

Brazil after WWI Had vital need to establish a capable army Agreement with France to establish a French Commission in Brazil known as the French Military Mission Worked to improve Army schools, doctrine, and equipment Commission’s mission terminated in 1939 with outbreak of WWII Tenentismo – movement by officers who rebelled and tried a coup to depose of Brazilian president in 1922

United States Interest Brazil had close proximity to Northern Africa German navy was barricading the North Atlantic Roosevelt visited Vargas in Brazil Discussed collaboration of Brazil would support allies during WWII At time, Vargas still had bond with Germany, but no interest in Nazi government Interested in Brazil’s export orientation. Possibility to secure the support of the external powers during war

A Final Decision Vargas was semi-pro fascist and torn on which side of the war to support Goal of Brazil, above all, was to develop their poor infrastructure Lacking in energy plants, railroads, roads, and industries U.S was financing the development of a Steel Mill Could act as the key to Brazil’s industrial production both before and after war

Brazil’s weak Military There was no desire for Brazil to join the war. Weak Military Military was not prepared for battle Brazilian Navy protects Northeast coastline

Three divisions one goes to Italy Roosevelt meets with Vargas Vargas needs Roosevelt, Roosevelt needs Vargas. Brazil Joins World War II Need over want

Training Brazilian Military Unite States sets up a base to train Brazilian Military. Three phases of training Brazil Training Then to Africa Then Italy Deployment

The BEF in Italy First echelon arrives 16 July 1944 Morale, Fitness, training, & equipment problems Initial fighting mostly successful Minister of War, Gen. Eurico Gaspar Dutra “The Smoking Snakes”

The Gothic Line & Winter of Arrival of the rest of the division General Mascarenhas de Moraes Apennine Mountains Unfavorable terrain and Position 1st Fighter Group

Monte Castello Four unsuccessful assaults Operation encore

Victory in Italy On 2 May 1945, the last Germans troops surrendered in Italy BEF Casualties KIA: 451 MIA: 58 WIA: 1,577 Returned 13 Oct Surrender of General Otto Fretter-Pico, Commander of the German 148 Infantry Division

Brazil decides to NOT remain in Italy for a longer period. The United States provided all the transportation for BEF’s return home. BEF returned home with 509 men less and 1, 577 wounded. The return of the BEF brought dynamic transformations in the country.

July 18 th, BEF members were given a parade through the streets of Rio de Janeiro. Immediately after parade President Vargas disbanded the BEF. Vargas promises to bring democracy back October 1945, military coup takes over Humberto Castelo Branco assumes power

Became President after the 1964 coup d'état. He wanted to prepare Brazil for a full democratic regime. He appointed Economist Roberto Campos as minister of Economy, who developed a program for social changes, economic stabilization, and development Branco modified the constitution

WWII brought change to Brazil from an agriculture economy to an industrial economy. Brazil’s participation on the Allied side helped to integrate Brazil into the International Scene.

443 soldiers buried in BEF cemetery in Pistoia, Italy. In 60’s the bodies were brought to the WWII mausoleum and monument in Rio de Janeiro.

1942-Brazil declares war on Axis powers 1944-Brazilian Expeditionary Force sent to Italy Vargas ousted in military coup Vargas elected president, but faces stiff opposition Vargas commits suicide after military gives him the options of resigning or being overthrown Juscelino Kubitschek is president, helping Brazil achieve rapid economic growth.

Class Questions 1. Do you think that it was a wise choice for Brazil to agree to join the Allies in Italy? 2. Do you feel Brazil got short changed by the United States based on all the materials they provided for the United States with not much in return, despite their status as an allied power?

Asumpção Penteado, Carlos José. "The Brazilian Participation in World War II." Hype War. Hype War, Jan Web. 1 Mar Penteado, Carlos. "The Brazilian Participation in World War II." The Brazilian Participation in World War II. N.p., Web. 29 Feb Williamson, Mitch. "BRAZILIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE." War and Game. Wordpress, n.d. Web. 1 Oct