Latin American mass society and the role of individuals in politics: Getúlio Vargas and Luiz Carlos Prestes

Abstract

This paper explores the theoretical and empirical consequences in the relation among mass society and individuals as dimensions of the political world in Latin America. Discusses the relation of Getúlio Vargas, as representative of modern oligarchy in Brazil, staying in power for more than 15 years and Luis Carlos Prestes, leader of the Communist Party and personality of the Brazilian left until his death in 1990. Two leaders that are remembered as symbol of “Good Politics”, but opposite in the ideological continuum.