Knowra Ernesto Geisel Ernesto Geisel Ernesto Geisel was a Brazilian general and president from 1974 to 1979. His government began a gradual, controlled political opening while maintaining military rule.
Brazilian political opening : The gradual relaxation of Brazil’s military dictatorship and restoration of political freedoms from the mid-1970s onward. Geisel called his transition a slow, gradual opening and sought to keep it under executive control.
Decompression politics : A controlled relaxation of authoritarian restrictions intended to reduce political pressure without surrendering regime power. Geisel described his policy as gradual liberalization, managed from above and subject to setbacks.
Golbery do Couto e Silva : A Brazilian general and political strategist who served as chief of staff to presidents Geisel and Figueiredo. Golbery advised Geisel on controlled liberalization and helped design the political opening.
1964 Brazilian coup d'état : The military coup that overthrew Brazilian president João Goulart on 31 March and 1 April 1964. The coup established the regime in which Geisel rose to power and later pursued limited reform.
1974 Brazilian general election : Brazil’s legislative election in November 1974, in which the opposition made major gains in the Senate and lower house. The result challenged Geisel’s control and prompted measures to limit opposition electoral success.
João Figueiredo : Brazilian general and president from 1979 to 1985, who continued political liberalization and oversaw the end of military rule. Geisel selected Figueiredo as his successor to continue the controlled opening.
Institutional Act Number Five : A 1968 Brazilian decree that expanded presidential powers, suspended political rights, and enabled Congress to be closed. Geisel revoked this core instrument of dictatorship in 1978, a major step in the opening.
Orlando Geisel : A Brazilian general who served as Minister of the Army under President Ernesto Geisel. As Geisel’s brother and army minister, he occupied a key position in the military government.
João Goulart : Brazilian president from 1961 until his overthrow in the 1964 military coup. Goulart’s removal marked the rupture that placed the armed forces, including Geisel, at the center of government.
April Package : The 1977 Brazilian constitutional and electoral reforms that strengthened the government’s control over the legislature and succession. Geisel imposed the package after closing Congress to contain opposition gains.
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