Castelo Branco, Humberto [key], 1900–1967, president of Brazil (1964–67). An army officer, he served as chief of staff of the Brazilian army before participating in the coup that ousted President João Goulart in Apr., 1964. Elected provisional president by Congress to succeed Goulart, he wielded enormous power, curtailing political freedoms and imposing sweeping economic reforms. The latter, while stringent and unpopular, helped spur the country's economic growth, curb inflation, and reestablish Brazil's credit rating abroad. He was succeeded in office by his war minister, Artur da Costa e Silva.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Brazilian History: Biographies
