The Price of Peace

In 1894 with a coup détat President Floriano Peixoto closed down The National Congress soon reinstated with coreligionaries in key positions In the south of Brazil the Maragatos revolutionaries would not come to terms with this They rebelled and marched to Rio de Janeiro to join Admiral Saldanhas troops and depose the President in an episode known today as the Federalist Revolution The rebels fought bloody battles with Floriano soldiers during the march Idelfonso Corrêa is a quiet reserved citizen of humble origin who becomes the Baron of Serro Azul His mature demeanor makes him a choice for mediator between both groups Midst negotiations and difficulties to safeguard the family and his protegés the Baron expands his domains starts a newspaper a bank and exports hervamate With the battle over his form of address Baron becomes synonymous with traitors