Captain Carlos Lamarca, a trained officer in the Brazilian Army, became increasingly disillusioned with the military dictatorship that took power in Brazil. The regime's brutal repression of political dissent and civil liberties prompted him to take a dramatic step. On January 25, 1969, he deserted the army, seizing an arsenal that included ten machine guns and 63 rifles. This act was not just a personal rebellion but a calculated move to galvanize opposition against a government known for its human rights violations. With these weapons, he aimed to arm fellow dissidents and establish a foothold for guerrilla warfare in Brazil.

Following his desertion, Lamarca aligned himself with leftist revolutionary groups that opposed the military regime. He conducted raids against government installations and became a prominent figure and symbol for resistance against tyranny. His actions prompted a series of responses from the government, including intensified crackdowns and surveillance of dissident groups. Lamarca's commitment to the cause turned him into a folk hero for many Brazilians who opposed the repression of the dictatorship.

Lamarca's campaign for freedom in Brazil was emblematic of broader struggles throughout Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s, where numerous guerrilla movements emerged in response to authoritarian governments. His legacy continued to inspire future generations of activists and brought attention to the plight of those fighting for democracy and human rights in Brazil.