Peixoto, Floriano [key], 1842–95, Brazilian marshal and statesman, president of Brazil (1891–94). He took part in the establishment of the republic and was chosen vice president under Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca. When the president resigned in the face of a revolution, Peixoto succeeded to the presidency (Nov., 1891). He ruled dictatorially amid widespread dissension, putting down a naval revolt in 1893 and maintaining himself in power until the election of 1894, when he was defeated. In spite of his unpopularity, the “Iron Marshal” by his firmness consolidated the new republican government.
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