Public opinion, diplomacy and nationalism. The impact of the First War in Brazil and Argentina

Abstract

This article discusses the impact of the First World War in Brazil and after that establishes a comparison with Argentina. The war divided the public opinion, affected the economy and changed the Brazilian foreign policy. The German submarine warfare and the sinking of Brazilian merchant ships led to the breakup of Brazil's relations with the German Empire, the declaration of the state of war and finally the humanitarian and military collaboration with the Entente. The end of the conflict opened a new stage during which the country joined the League of Nations and developed policies of international outreach. We will investigate how the awakening of nationalism in the intellectual and political life after 1914 provided the formation of both a critical consciousness as a authoritarian right in Brazil and Argentina.