In this account of 500 years of political development in Brazil, Dr Schneider examines the causes and consequences of the enduring tension between order and progress. This book focuses on the historical roles of the church, the military and the propertied classes.

In this account of five centuries of political development in Brazil, Dr Schneider examines the causes and consequences of the enduring tension between order and progress - the two goals expressed in the country's national motto. He focuses on the historical roles of the three actors at the centre of Brazil's national life that have traditionally favoured order: the Church, the military, and the propertied classes. At the same time he gives careful consideration to the champions of progress, such as urban professionals, the intelligentsia and the middle class. The author weaves in discussion of the social and economic life of Brazil and how it has influenced political development since the colonial era.

What is Brazil?
monarchical Brazil - colony and empire
the first republic
the Vargas era
the quest for democracy and development, 1946-1960
decay, crises and "revolution", 1961-1964
the military as ruler, 1964-1973
the road back
the Sarney government - from transition to consolidation
Brazil faces the Nineties.