Guerra do Contestado: Key Events and Impacts

The Guerra do Contestado (1912-1916) was a violent conflict in Brazil involving land disputes between peasants and the Brazilian army. The construction of a railway by the Brazil Highway Company led to the eviction of local communities, intensifying tensions. Monge João Maria emerged as a spiritual leader, uniting the displaced in resistance. The conflict escalated into a military confrontation, resulting in significant casualties. Eventually, Paraná and Santa Catarina reached a territorial agreement, but the power remained concentrated among local elites.

What was a significant characteristic of land ownership in Brazil during the early 20th century?

• Equal distribution of land among all citizens

• Concentration of land in the hands of a few

• Government ownership of all land

• Communal land ownership by local communities

Which company was contracted to build the railway that triggered the Guerra do Contestado?

• Brazil Highway Company

• South American Railways

• American Railway Corporation

• Brazil Railway Company

What was the primary reason for the displacement of local communities during the railway construction?

• Natural disasters

• Government land reforms

• Industrial pollution

• Construction of the railway

Who emerged as a spiritual leader unifying the displaced communities?

• Dom Pedro II

• Getúlio Vargas

• Monge João Maria

• Antônio Conselheiro

What was the Brazilian government's response to the growing movement led by Monge João Maria?

• Negotiated peace

• Ignored the movement

• Sent troops and used military force

• Provided land to the displaced

Approximately how many soldiers were sent to suppress the resistance?

• 2,000

• 5,000

• 8,000

• 10,000

What was the estimated number of people involved in the battles during the Guerra do Contestado?

• 25,000

• 10,000

• 15,000

• 20,000

When did the Guerra do Contestado come to an end?

• March 1916

• January 1917

• December 1915

• October 1916

What was the final resolution regarding the territorial dispute between Paraná and Santa Catarina?

• The land was divided into smaller regions

• Both states received equal land

• Paraná received 20,000 km² and Santa Catarina 28,000 km²

• Paraná received 28,000 km² and Santa Catarina 20,000 km²

What was the impact of the conflict on the power dynamics in the region?

• Fazendeiros (landowners) consolidated more power

• Power was equally distributed

• The government took direct control of the land

• Local communities gained more power