Brazilian Diplomacy and Foreign Intervention in the Brazilian Naval Revolt, 1893-94.

Abstract

Historical writing in English on the Brazilian Naval Revolt of 1893-1894 has stressed the vital diplomatic and naval role that the foreign powers played in bringing about the failure of the revolt. According to this view, the Brazilian government headed by Marshal Floriano Peixoto was weak and at the mercy of events beyond its control. In fact, it was the combination of firmness and skillful diplomacy shown by Floriano and his government rather than the activities of the foreign powers, including the United States, that was the constant and most influential factor which turned the Naval Revolt into an unequal contest and meant that it was only a matter of time before the rebels capitulated and brought their rebellion to an end.