Letters from Tomis

My Socialist Hall of Fame

During this chaotic era of vile rhetoric and manipulative tactics from our so-called bourgeois leaders, I am invigorated by the opportunity to reflect on Socialists, Revolutionaries, Philosophers, Guerrilla Leaders, Partisans, and Critical Theory titans, champions, and martyrs who paved the way for us—my own audacious “Socialism’s Hall of Fame.” These are my heroes and fore-bearers. Not all are perfect, or even admirable, but all contributed in some way to our future–either as icons to emulate, or as warnings to avoid in the future

I learned of Luis Prestes while studying the life of his wife, Olga Benário, a communist cadre from Germany who played a significant role in the revolutionary movements of her time. Both an ardent supporter of socialist ideals and a fierce advocate for social justice as a revolutionary and guerrilla leader, Prestes exemplified the dedication and spirit of socialism in Brazil. Together with his wife, they navigated the tumultuous political landscape of the early 20th century, facing immense challenges and persecution, yet remaining steadfast in their commitment to fighting for the rights of the oppressed and fostering change in a nation marked by inequality. Prestes’ leadership was not only instrumental in the Brazilian Communist Party but also in inspiring countless others to join the struggle for a more equitable society, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s political discourse.

Early Life and Military Career

Luís Carlos Prestes was born on January 3, 1898, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. His father, an army captain, passed away when Prestes was young, leaving the family in financial hardship. His mother supported the family by giving lessons in French and music. Prestes attended military school in Rio de Janeiro, where he excelled in mathematics and engineering, graduating as an outstanding student with a degree in engineering. 

The Prestes Column

In the early 1920s, Prestes became involved in the Tenente revolts, a series of uprisings led by junior military officers against Brazil’s oligarchical First Republic. In 1924, he led a rebel force on a three-year trek through Brazil’s interior, known as the Prestes Column, covering approximately 25,000 kilometers across thirteen Brazilian states. The column aimed to spark a rebellion in the countryside but ultimately went into exile in Bolivia in 1927. Despite its failure, the movement turned Prestes into a romantic hero and a symbol of resistance. 

Communist Leadership and Imprisonment

After his exile, Prestes became involved with the international communist movement. He returned to Brazil and, in 1935, led the Communist uprising against the government of Getúlio Vargas. The uprising failed, leading to his arrest and a 30-year prison sentence. During his imprisonment, his wife, Olga Benário Prestes, a German communist, was deported to Nazi Germany, where she was executed. Prestes was released after World War II and later served briefly as a senator. 

Later Political Career and Legacy

After his release, Prestes continued his political activities, becoming the general-secretary of the Brazilian Communist Party (PCB) from 1943 to 1980. He advocated for ending payments on the national debt, nationalization of foreign-owned companies, and land reform. In the 1980s, he accused the PCB of abandoning Marxist-Leninist philosophy, leading to his removal from leadership in 1980 and expulsion in 1984. He campaigned for Leonel Brizola, a center-left candidate, in the 1989 presidential election. Prestes passed away on March 7, 1990, in Rio de Janeiro. 

Bibliography

1. Amado, Jorge. The Knight of Hope: A Biography of Luís Carlos Prestes. New York: International Publishers, 1942.

2. Dulles, John W. F. Anarchists and Communists in Brazil, 1900-1935. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1973.

3. Skidmore, Thomas E. Politics in Brazil, 1930-1964: An Experiment in Democracy. New York: Oxford University Press, 1967.

4. French, John D. The Brazilian Workers’ ABC: Class Conflict and Alliances in Modern São Paulo. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1992.

5. Prestes, Anita Leocádia. Luís Carlos Prestes: O Combate por um Partido Revolucionário (1958-1990). São Paulo: Boitempo Editorial, 2015.

Luís Carlos Prestes remains a significant figure in Brazilian history, symbolizing the struggle for social justice and political reform.