History of Brasília

The area where Brasília was established within the State of Goias had a long history of Indigenous inhabitance and held importance during the colonial era. The State of Goias was originally designated as a Captaincy of the Viceroyalty of Brazil, two administrative designations that were used in the Portuguese Empire. The state gained its name from the Goia people, who lived centrally within the Captaincy, and were subject to colonial expansion in the 17th and 18th centuries, leading to their assimilation and decline. There was no direct precursor city to Brasília as it was established in part of the savannah of Brazil's central plateau. There were, however, several significant settlements in the vicinity, such as Luziânia, then named Santa Luzia, which was established in the 1740s and became a successful mining town. == Settlement ==

The first propositions of moving Brazil's capital city from Rio de Janeiro came in 1798 from the Inconfidência Mineira, a separatist political movement that existed during the colonial period of Brazil. The movement's leader, Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes, had planned to establish a new capital for an independent Brazil in the city of São João del-Rei, located within the province of Minas Gerais. Tiradentes was hanged on April 21, 1792, which led to the collapse of the Inconfidência Mineira and, for a significant time, the movement for a new location for the capital city. A council led by Luís Cruls broadly outlined the boundaries of a new federal district in 1892, which was later narrowed down by a federal commission led by José Pessoa in 1955. The final commission made the designation of a 5850 square kilometre province for the new capital within the original space outlined by Cruls, an area and size which has largely remained the same since. Between these commissions, plans for Brasília's creation were seen in federal laws in 1922 and mentioned in the constitution of 1946. The final designation prompted the beginning of the city's construction, which occurred under the presidency of Juscelino Kubitschek. == Construction ==

pilot plan for Brasília's design The construction of Brasília was one of the core initiatives of President Kubitschek's “Fifty Years in Five” program, a centrepiece of his administration's focus on development. Launched in 1956, the program aimed for industrialisation and urbanisation on a wide scale in order to achieve large economic gains. It focused on the local economies of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and sought to ease the burdens on these areas with the interior relocation of the capital. Lúcio Costa became the lead urban planner in 1957 with a successful pilot plan. Economic repercussions The total cost of the construction of Brasília was estimated to be US$1.5 Billion (unadjusted from 1954 dollars) by President Café Filho. Subsequent administrations have generally been unsure about the total costs, with general estimates regarding it as one of the world's most expensive development projects. The lack of adequate financing for the city's construction became a prolonged issue in successive governments following President Kubitschek's administration and the 1964 coup d'état, and has been named as a contributor to hyperinflation and recession in the 1980s. Kubitschek's “Fifty Years in Five” program fell under wide criticism following his presidency, with critics, newspapers and academics often describing it as “fifty years’ inflation in five.” Social impacts Brasília held the status of a national pride during its construction and after its inauguration, much of which focused on the architectural identity of the city. Dr Steffen Lehmann, an academic from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, explains this by saying, “At this time, Brasília was seen as a modern utopia that expressed optimism and trust in the future.” This led to the creation of venerative documents such as the Ode to Brasília by Alberto Bonfim; “A pioneer city is rising architecturally bold, the first of its kind in this new urban mould.” Its placement in the interior of the country was chosen to bring about social change by creating a stronger physical connection between the regions and the government, and thus a clearer national identity. == Early years ==

Cultural development The University of Brasília was officially opened in 1962 by founders Darcy Ribeiro, an anthropologist, and Anísio Teixeira, an educator. Oscar Niemeyer designed the main campus building for the university, nicknamed Minhoção or 'Big Worm', which completed construction in 1971. The university contributed greatly to the cultural development of the city and a focus on the arts. In 1962, the Central Institute of the Arts was opened by Alcides da Rocha Miranda, which led to a greater presence of art academics in the Brasília. jeeps near the National Congress in Brasília during the 1964 Coup Changing political status Brazil underwent significant changes from 1964 onwards, when a military coup d'état ousted then president João Goulart due to economic and social crises. Goulart's left leaning policies were particularly attacked in the face of inflation nearing 80% annually, a large amount of which was attributable to Kubitschek's presidency and the vast deficit expenditure on Brasília. The coup was centred in Brasília, which significantly damaged the city's social identity as a futuristic and optimistic symbol of national pride. A process of re-democratisation began in the 1980s which was officially formalised in the drafting of a new constitution in 1988. == Modern era ==

, one of several prominent bands from Brasília in the 1980s Since the end of Brazil's military government in the 1980s, Brasília has been a cultural hub, especially for music. Numerous rock, punk and grunge bands formed and began more readily releasing music in the freer cultural climate, inspired by similar musical movements in the US and UK. Legião Urbana was one of the most famous groups, who released their first album in 1985. They were recognised by Rolling Stone for their song, 'Que país é este?' and their lead singer Renata Russo. The rise of these groups was credited with beginning to shift the identity of Brasília away from its complicated political history and towards the arts. ==See also==