GOULART, JOÃO


Meaning of GOULART, JOÃO in English

born March 1, 1918, São Borja, Braz.

died Dec. 6, 1976, Corrientes province, Arg.

Reformist president of Brazil (1961–64).

Son of a wealthy rancher, he earned a law degree and became a protégé of Pres. Getúlio Vargas , in whose administration he served as minister of labour, industry, and commerce. Elected vice president (1956–61), he became president when Pres. Jânio Quadros resigned. He undertook a program of radical reforms, winning passage of a law limiting the amount of profits that foreign companies could export. He attempted land reform but was unable to secure majority support for his legislative program. Inflation reached alarming proportions, the cost of living tripling. He was ousted by the military in 1964 and died in exile.

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