Jânio Quadros, elected as Brazil's president in 1960 on an anti-corruption platform, assumed office with high expectations. However, his administration faced significant challenges, including political opposition and economic difficulties. Quadros' unconventional style and erratic decisions alienated allies, leading to a gradual decline in support from both the political establishment and the populace. In August 1961, he shocked the nation by resigning, claiming he lacked the necessary support to govern effectively. This resignation was both surprising and controversial, leading to widespread speculation about the real reasons behind his decision.

The sudden departure of Quadros initiated a power vacuum and a political crisis. His vice-president, João Goulart, who was formerly a supporter of labor movements, sought to ascend to the presidency but faced opposition from various sectors of the military and political elite who feared his leftist tendencies. This conflict resulted in a critical standoff, with significant implications for the nation’s governance. The political instability continued for several years, ultimately culminating in a military coup in 1964, which significantly altered Brazil's political landscape.

During this period, the military perceived Goulart as a threat to national security and began organizing to counter his rise. The political machinations that followed Quadros' resignation led to significant unrest and intensified the division between progressive and conservative forces in Brazil. The military coup that eventually took place marked the beginning of a two-decade-long military dictatorship, which fraught the nation with repression, censorship, and a profound transformation of Brazilian politics, society, and its future direction.