Seventy years ago, President Juscelino Kubitschek encountered a significant challenge to his governance in the form of a military uprising in the Amazon. This insurrection, termed the Jacareacanga Revolt, occurred in February 1956 and lasted for 19 days, ultimately being suppressed by government forces. In its aftermath, although the conspirators managed to evade criminal and disciplinary proceedings due to a congressional pardon, the event was indicative of the turbulent political climate of Brazil during that era.

One of the prominent figures in this uprising was Major Haroldo Veloso. Following his immunity granted by the amnesty, Veloso remained in the Air Force and continued his plotting against Kubitschek, leading to another coup attempt in 1959. Historical documents from the Senate Archives reveal that allied senators claimed the uprising showcased intentions to establish a dictatorship, suggesting that the rebellion was not merely a spontaneous patriotic movement but rather a demagoguery-savvy operation aimed at fostering a regime of exception.

Opposition figures to Kubitschek downplayed the gravity of the uprising. They portrayed the rebellious youth as misguided patriots, emphasizing a narrative that sought to diminish the seriousness of the military's actions. This historical assessment not only sheds light on the challenges faced by Kubitschek during his presidency but also illustrates the broader context of Brazil's political struggles in the mid-20th century, highlighting the ideological divides that have shaped the country's governance since its transition to democracy.