Carta Testamento

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The Carta Testamento (English: Letter of Testament or Letter of Will) is a letter written by former Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas to the citizens of Brazil before his suicide. It is considered to be among the defining documents of 20th century Brazilian history.

[edit] Background

On the night of 24 August 1954, President Vargas was thought to be partly responsible for an assassination attempt against Carlos Lacerda, who is leading voice opposing the Vargas regime. The suspicion was supported by the Brazillian Military and a sizeable portion of the public.

Upon receiving an ultimatum from the military demanding his resignation, Vargas went from his office into his bedroom and shot himself. He left a note, which was subsequently read to the crowds who had gathered at the presidential residence to demand his resignation. The response was a spontaneous eruption of a supportive chant: "Getulio, Getulio! We want Getulio!"