Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco

Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco (September 20, 1900 - July 18, 1967). Brazilian military leader and politician. Castelo Branco entered the Army in 1918 and was a colonel in the Brazilian Expedictionary Force during World War II. Appointed Chief of Staff of the Army by President João Goulart in 1963, he became one of the leaders of the coup d'etat of March 31, 1964 that overthrew Goulart. Elected president by the Congress, he took oath in April 15, 1964 and served until March 15, 1967. During his term, Castelo Branco dismantled the left wing of Congress and abolished all the parties. He promoted economics and tributary reforms and was succeeded by his war minister Marshal Artur da Costa e Silva. Shortly after leaving the presidency, he died in an air crash.

See also: List of Presidents of Brazil, History of Brazil (1964-present)