Epitácio Pessoa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency Epitácio Pessoa
Official portrait, 1919
President of Brazil
In office 28 July 1919 – 14 November 1922
Vice President	Delfim Moreira (1919–1920) None (Jul–Nov 1920) Bueno de Paiva (2020–2022)
Preceded by	Delfim Moreira
Succeeded by	Artur Bernardes
Other offices held 1923–1930 Member of the Permanent Court of International Justice 1918–1919 Head of the Brazilian Delegation to the Versailles Peace Conference 1912–1919 Senator for Paraíba 1902–1912 Minister of the Supreme Federal Court 1902–1905 Prosecutor General of the Republic 1900–1901 Minister of Industry, Transport and Public Works (interim) 1898–1901 Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs 1890–1893 Federal Deputy for Paraíba 1889–1890 Secretary-General of Paraíba
Personal details
Born	(1865-05-23)23 May 1865 Umbuzeiro, Paraíba, Empire of Brazil
Died	13 February 1942(1942-02-13) (aged 76) Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Political party	PRM
Spouses	Francisca Justina das Chagas ​ ​ (m. 1894; died 1895)​ Maria da Conceição de Manso Sayão ​ (m. 1898)​
Relations	João Pessoa (nephew)
Children	3
Parents	José da Silva Pessoa (father) Henriqueta Barbosa de Lucena (mother)
Alma mater	Recife Law School
Signature

Epitácio Lindolfo da Silva Pessoa (born May 23, 1865 – died February 13, 1942) was a very important Brazilian politician and a brilliant legal expert who served as the 11th President of Brazil from 1919 to 1922. He stepped into this big role when the person originally elected couldn't take office. Before becoming president, he held many other significant positions, like a judge, a senator, and even led the Brazilian delegation at the Treaty of Versailles in France.

Early Life and a Bright Mind (1865-1890)

Epitácio Lindolfo da Silva Pessoa was born on May 23, 1865, in a small town called Umbuzeiro, in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Sadly, when he was just seven years old, both of his parents passed away from a serious illness called smallpox. This was a very difficult time for young Epitácio.

But he was lucky to have a kind uncle, Henrique de Lucena, who was the governor of a nearby state called Pernambuco. His uncle took him in and made sure he received a good education. Epitácio was a very smart student and went on to study law at the Federal University of Pernambuco. He was so good at it that he even became a professor there!

Stepping into the World of Politics (1890-1919)

Epitácio Pessoa quickly became known for his sharp mind and legal skills. When Brazil became a Republic in 1889, he was invited to help set up the first republican government in his home state of Paraíba. He was elected as a deputy to the assembly that wrote Brazil's new constitution. Even at just 25 years old, he was recognized as an outstanding legal expert.

He took a short break from politics for a while, even traveling to Europe. When he returned, he served as the Minister of Justice, where he helped create important laws for the country. He also became a judge in Brazil's highest court, the Supreme Federal Court, and served as the Attorney General. He was also elected as a Senator for his home state.

One of his most important international roles came at the end of World War I in 1919. He was chosen to lead the Brazilian delegation at the Treaty of Versailles in France. This was a huge meeting where countries discussed how to bring peace back to the world after the big war. Epitácio Pessoa did a great job representing Brazil's interests, especially in helping to resolve issues about Brazilian coffee stored in Europe and German ships seized during the war.

Unexpectedly Becoming President (1919-1922)

While Epitácio Pessoa was still in France, something unexpected happened back home in Brazil. The president-elect, Rodrigues Alves, became very ill and couldn't take office. This meant a new election had to be held quickly.

Even though he was far away in France, Epitácio Pessoa was chosen as a candidate! He won the election without even having to leave Europe, which is a unique event in Brazilian history! He became the 11th President of Brazil on July 28, 1919. His election was a bit of a surprise because it broke away from the usual pattern where presidents often came from just two powerful states.

Leading Brazil: A Time of Change and Challenges (1919-1922)

President Pessoa's time in office was a period of both great achievements and some challenges for Brazil.

Big Achievements During His Presidency

• He oversaw the construction of more than 200 dams in the Northeast region of Brazil. This was a huge accomplishment, especially for helping people in areas that often suffered from droughts. These dams helped store water and made life better for many communities.
• Pessoa helped create the University of Rio de Janeiro, which was a big step forward for higher education in Brazil.
• His government celebrated Brazil's first centenary of independence in 1922, marking 100 years since Brazil became independent.
• He completely transformed the landscape of Rio de Janeiro by building museums and many iconic buildings, including the Copacabana Palace and the Hotel Glória.
• He oversaw the opening of the first radio station in Brazil, bringing a new way for people to get news and entertainment.
• More than 1000 kilometers of railroads were built in the south of Brazil, making it easier to travel and transport goods.
• He abolished a law that had banished the Brazilian Imperial Family from national territory, allowing them to return if they wished.
• Pessoa ordered the construction of the foundation stone for the future capital of Brasília.

Challenges and Political Tensions

His presidency also faced some difficulties. After World War I, Brazil's economy was changing, and there were worker strikes. President Pessoa introduced plans to manage the country's money carefully.

There were also political disagreements and tensions. For example, there was a big political controversy in 1921 when some letters were published that caused a lot of debate and arguments, especially concerning the military and the upcoming elections. This created a very charged atmosphere in the country. He also faced a military uprising known as the Copacabana Fort revolt, which his government successfully put down.

Later years and Lasting Legacy (1922-1942)

After his term as president ended in 1922, Epitácio Pessoa continued to serve his country and the world. He was elected as a judge for the Permanent Court of International Justice at The Hague, which is like a world court that helps countries solve their disagreements peacefully. He served there until 1930. He also returned to serve as a Senator for Paraíba.

In his later years, he retired from public life. He passed away on February 13, 1942, at the age of 76.

What is Epitácio Pessoa Remembered For?

Epitácio Pessoa left a significant mark on Brazil. He is remembered for:

• His brilliant legal mind and his many contributions to Brazilian law.
• His leadership during a challenging time for Brazil, especially after World War I.
• The many public works projects he started, like the dams in the Northeast, which greatly improved people's lives.
• His role in establishing important institutions like the University of Rio de Janeiro.
• His international diplomacy at the Treaty of Versailles.

Today, a municipality in the state of São Paulo is named Presidente Epitácio in his honor, showing how much he is still remembered and respected in Brazil.

See also

In Spanish: Epitácio Pessoa para niños

• List of presidents of Brazil