Venceslau Brás Pereira Gomes was a Brazilian politician who served as ninth president of Brazil between 1914 and 1918, during the First Brazilian Republic. Brás was born in Brasópolis, Minas Gerais State. He became governor of that state in 1909, and in 1910 he was elected vice-president under Hermes Rodrigues da Fonseca. As the sixth vice president of Brazil, he also served as the President of the Senate. He was elected president in 1914 and served until 1918. His government declared war on the Central Powers in October 1917 during World War I. He was the longest-lived Brazilian president, reaching 98 years of age.
Official portrait, 1914
President Venceslau Brás and his cabinet in 1915: Marshal José Caetano de Faria (War), Augusto Tavares de Lima (Transportation), Lauro Müller (Foreign Affairs) and Admiral Alexandrino de Faria Alencar (Navy). Around him, senators, congressmen and journalists.
Former president Brás in 1961
The president of Brazil, officially the president of the Federative Republic of Brazil or simply the President of the Republic, is the head of state and head of government of Brazil. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the Brazilian Armed Forces.
President of Brazil
President Hermes da Fonseca waves to the crowd during Inauguration Day parade, 1910
Palácio do Planalto
Palácio da Alvorada