Getúlio Dornelles "Gegé" Vargas, also known by his initials GV and nicknamed "the Father of the Poor", was a Brazilian lawyer and politician who served as the 14th and 17th president of Brazil, from 1930 to 1945 and from 1951 to 1954, respectively. He was born in São Borja, Rio Grande do Sul to a powerful local family, embarking on a quick military career before graduating from law school. He began his political career as district attorney, soon becoming a state deputy prior to an interim period. His return as a state legislator ended when he entered national politics, serving as member of the Chamber of Deputies and Minister of Finance before departing to head Rio Grande do Sul as state president.
Though Vargas lost the 1930 Brazilian general election for the presidency, he rose to power in 1930 under a provisional presidency following an armed revolution, remaining until 1934 where he was elected president under a 1934 constitution. Three years later, Vargas would seize powers under the pretext of a potential communist revolution, beginning an eight-year long dictatorship with Vargas at its center.