Bento Gonçalves da Silva

Bento Gonçalves
Portrait, c. 1844–46[a]
President of the Riograndense Republic
In office
6 November 1836 – 1841
Vice PresidentGomes Jardim
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byGomes Jardim
Personal details
Born(1788-09-23)23 September 1788
Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, State of Brazil
Died18 July 1847(1847-07-18) (aged 58)
Pedras Brancas, Rio Grande do Sul, Empire of Brazil
Political partyRagamuffin Party
SpouseCayetana Juana Francisca García González
Military service
Allegiance Kingdom of Portugal
United Kingdom
 Empire of Brazil
 Riograndense Republic
Branch/servicePortuguese Army
Imperial Brazilian Army
Riograndense Army
Years of service1811–1844
Battles/wars

Bento Gonçalves da Silva (23 September 1788 – 18 July 1847) was a Brazilian army officer, politician and rebel leader of the Riograndense Republic. He was the first President of the Riograndense Republic and, by all accounts, one of the most prominent figures in the history of Rio Grande do Sul.

Although a staunch monarchist,[2] Gonçalves led the rebel forces in the Ragamuffin War. Radicals within the rebel ranks forced the rebellion to become republican, which Gonçalves opposed.[3] Still, even though he fought against the Empire of Brazil, Gonçalves and his troops celebrated the birthday of the young emperor Pedro II of Brazil.[4] After the conflict ended with the victory of the Empire, Gonçalves paid his respect to Pedro II by kissing his hand during the latter's trip to Rio Grande do Sul in December 1845.[4]

His main companions in arms during the rebellion were Antônio de Sousa Neto and Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Notes

  1. ^ One of the two authenticated images of Bento, together with a daguerreotype.[1]

References

  1. ^ Hüttner 2020, pp. 45–46.
  2. ^ Rodrigues 1990, p. 380.
  3. ^ Rodrigues 1990, p. 372.
  4. ^ a b Rodrigues 1990, p. 382.

Bibliography

  • Rodrigues, Alfredo Ferreira (1990). Vultos e fatos da Revolução Farroupilha (in Portuguese). Brasília: Imprensa Nacional.
  • Hüttner, Edison (2020). A Foto de Bento Gonçalves da Silva: Daguerreótipos e Farroupilhas (PDF) (in Portuguese). Porto Alegre: UBE RS.