Online Encyclopedia
Humberto Castelo Branco
Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco (September 20, 1900 - July 18, 1967). Brazilian militar and politician. Castelo Branco entered in the Army in 1918 and was a colonel in the Força Expedicionária Brasileira , in the World War II. Appointed by President João Goulart Chief of Staff of the Army in 1963, he became one of the leaders of the coup d'etat of March 31, 1964, that overthrowned Goulart. Elected president by the Concress, he took oath in April 15, 1964 and served until March 15, 1967. During his term, Castelo Branco dismantled the left wing of Congress and abolished all the parties. He promoted economics and tributary reforms and was succeded by his war minister Marshal Artur da Costa e Silva. He died briefly after leave the presidency in a air crash.
See also: List of Presidents of Brazil