Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes, was a leading member of the colonial Brazilian revolutionary movement known as Inconfidência Mineira, whose aim was full independence from Portuguese colonial power and the creation of a Brazilian republic.
When the separatists' plot was uncovered by authorities, Tiradentes was arrested, tried, and publicly hanged.
Since the advent of the Brazilian Republic, Tiradentes has been considered a national hero of Brazil and patron of the Military
Tiradentes was born on the Fazenda do Pombal, near the village of Santa Rita do Rio Abaixo, at the time disputed territory between the towns of São João del-Rei and Tiradentes, in the Captaincy of Minas Gerais.
Discovery, trial, and execution
Tiradentes's plan was to take to the streets of Vila Rica and proclaim the Brazilian Republic on the day of the derrama, in February 1789, when the tax was due to Portugal and the sentiment of revolt among Brazilians would be stronger. Joaquim Silvério dos Reis, one of the conspirators, exposed the plot in exchange for a tax waiver. The governor of Minas Gerais canceled the derrama and ordered the imprisonment of the rebels.
A trial was carried out, lasting almost three years. Tiradentes was sentenced to death, along with ten other inconfidentes. Queen Maria I of Portugal later commuted the sentences of capital punishment to perpetual banishment for all convicts, except those whose activities involved aggravated circumstances. Such was the case of Tiradentes, who took full responsibility for the movement.
He was imprisoned in Rio, then hanged on 21 April 1792. Afterward, his body was quartered and the pieces were sent to Vila Rica, to be displayed in places where he used to propagate his liberal ideas. His head landed in Ouro Preto but was subsequently lost.
National hero
Tiradentes began to be considered a national hero by the republicans in the late 19th century. After the institution of the Republic, in 1889, the anniversary of his death became a national holiday.
His moniker, "Tiradentes", became the namesake of a city in the state of Minas Gerais, city squares in Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Ouro Preto, as well as a major avenue in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The 11th Mountain Infantry Battalion, "Tiradentes" Regiment (11º Batalhão de Infantaria de Montanha, Regimento "Tiradentes"), named after the hero, is currently operational in the Brazilian Army.
Credit:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiradentes
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