Getúlio vargas (1882-1954) is arguably the most important brazilian political figure of the twentieth century. From a wealthy landholding family in the south, vargas became interim president in 1930 … While appearing to accept defeat, vargas in october of that year led the revolution, organized by his friends, that overthrew the oligarchical republic.

Due to his long and controversial tenure as brazil's provisional, constitutional, dictatorial and democratic leader, he is considered by historians as the most influential brazilian politician of the 20th century.