Juscelino Kubitschek led Brazil as its 21st president from 1956 to 1961, an era defined by his developmentalist agenda and the ambitious construction of the new federal capital, Brasília. His administration focused on rapid industrialization and infrastructure expansion, aiming to catalyze economic progress across the nation's interior while fundamentally reshaping the country's geographic and political landscape.
Early Career and Medical Training
Born in Diamantina in 1902, Kubitschek was raised by his mother, Júlia. He attended the local seminary before moving to Belo Horizonte, where he graduated from the Federal University of Minas Gerais in 1927. After completing a medical degree, he specialized in urology during a brief period in Paris. Returning to Brazil, he balanced a medical practice with a growing interest in public service, eventually joining the Public Force of Minas Gerais and transitioning into political roles under the support of local leadership.
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Kubitschek served as the mayor of Belo Horizonte from 1940 to 1945, a period during which he collaborated with architect Oscar Niemeyer on various municipal building projects. He later served as a federal deputy and was elected governor of Minas Gerais in 1950. During his governorship, he focused heavily on energy and transportation, establishing a state-owned power corporation and prioritizing the construction of new energy plants to support regional industrial growth.
The Presidency and the Development Plan
Winning the 1955 election with the campaign slogan 50 years in 5, Kubitschek assumed the presidency in January 1956 with the backing of a military movement led by Henrique Teixeira Lott. His administration launched an extensive economic program featuring 31 goals across sectors including education, agriculture, and base industries. He actively encouraged foreign investment by exempting imported industrial equipment from duties, attempting to diversify the Brazilian economy while overseeing the central project of moving the government seat to Brasília.
Post-Presidency and Final Years
After leaving office in 1961, Kubitschek served as a senator for Goiás. His political career faced severe disruption following the 1964 military coup, which resulted in the revocation of his mandate and the suspension of his political rights amid accusations of corruption. He spent subsequent years in voluntary exile across Europe and the United States. He died in a car accident in 1976 in Resende and is currently buried at the Memorial JK.
Fast facts
- Born: 1902, Diamantina, Brazil
- Died: 1976, Resende, Brazil
- President of Brazil: 1956-1961
- Occupations: Physician, Politician, Writer
- Education: Federal University of Minas Gerais
- Political Party: Social Democratic Party (PSD)
- Major Achievement: Construction of Brasília
- Languages: Portuguese, French, German
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of the 50 years in 5 slogan?
It represented Kubitschek's economic platform to accelerate Brazil's industrial growth and infrastructure development, aiming to achieve five decades of progress within his five-year presidential term.
Why was Kubitschek forced into exile?
Following the 1964 military coup, the new regime accused him of corruption and communist sympathies, leading to the revocation of his political rights.
Achievements
- Educated at Federal University of Minas Gerais
- Worked as physician, politician and writer