Sport and Politics in the Brazilian Estado Novo (1937–1945)

Abstract

This article aims at analysing how the government of Getúlio Vargas in Brazil, especially during the dictatorial period known as Estado Novo, used sport as a means of propaganda. In order to achieve this goal, I first examine how the government acted in uniting the Brazilian sport field, which was divided in factions representing different political groups, who struggled over the control of the organisation of sports in the country. Then, I analyse how this pacified sport field was used as a means of propaganda for the government. Finally, I look at the official intervention in the sport organisation with the creation of CND, assessing the objectives behind its creation.