Osvaldo Aranha (1894-1960) was a leading figure in the group of Brazilian politicians from Rio Grande do Sul who came to power with President Vargas in 1930. During the following 30 years, Aranha remained a major figure in Brazilian political life.

Osvaldo Aranha was born in Alegrete in the state of Rio Grande do Sul on Feb. 15, 1894. He graduated from the Porto Alegre Law School in 1916 and for some years practiced his profession.

During the 1920s Aranha served his apprenticeship in politics as mayor of the town of Alegrete, and he was wounded fighting in defense of the state regime during a revolt in 1926. In 1927 he was elected a member of the state legislature, and in 1928 he became a member of the Federal Chamber of Deputies.

When Getulio Vargas became governor of Rio Grande do Sul in 1929, he chose Aranha to head his Cabinet as secretary of justice. In this...