Tiradentes

Tiradentes (actually Joaquim José da Silva Xavier ) (* 1746, † April 21, 1792 in Rio de Janeiro) was a Brazilian freedom fighter against the Portuguese colonial power in Minas Gerais and is now a national hero in Brazil.

Life

Tiradentes was born in 1746 under the name of Joaquim José da Silva Xavier in modest circumstances. He came from near São João del Rei in Minas Gerais. Orphaned early, he moved with his godfather to Vila Rica (now Ouro Preto ) around. He was raised by a teacher who was also a surgeon. So he learned to pull teeth - hence its name " Tiradentes " (Portuguese: tooth-drawers ) - and to earn his livelihood. He also hired among others, to as a herdsman and a miner. 1755 his mother died in 1757, his father died.

In the military, he brought it to ensign. Another military career was denied him because of his background. A report prepared by him proposal for channeling in Rio de Janeiro foundered on the opposition of Portuguese official.

Tiradentes used his knowledge of minerals, as he devoted himself to public service. He was sent to towns along the path between Vila Rica ( the capital of Minas Gerais ) and Rio de Janeiro.

At this time, Built in 1720, the captaincy of Minas Gerais was in economic difficulties. Rich gold discoveries had its capital Vila Rica, today's Ouro Preto, made ​​the richest and largest city of the Brazilian West. When gold was discovered in the 1760s were less, the area threatened under the burden of taxes which were payable to Portugal, to impoverish. It formed a conspiracy, which included especially the rich of the region. The aim of the " Inconfidencia Mineira " was to gain independence, following the example of the U.S. and abolish slavery. Tiradentes this group joined and became their leader.

The group was betrayed by Joaquim Silvério dos Reis. On April 21, 1792 Tiradentes was executed only one of the conspirators in Rio de Janeiro. The royal administrator of the province, Visconde de Barbacena, gave the order, " to hang him to four parts and parts of the bloody corpse to throw as a cautionary tale on the streets and villages of the neighborhood. " His head was on the main square of Vila Rica to Look detected; this place is called Praça Tiradentes today.

Reception

Thirty years after his death, Brazil became independent, Tiradentes now was considered by many - not the monarchists! - As the first national hero. After the overthrow of Emperor Pedro II in 1889 and the proclamation of the republic was of his death, April 21, declared a national holiday.