Washington Luís and the Social Trouble

Abstract

Since the government of Washington Luis was confronted with multiple factors which generate instability, it was incumbent for him to be prepared, firm and serene as he was always reknown to be. It was necessary above all, that he be able to identify the main problems, that is the ability to understand, like he did, that the "social question" has multiple dimensions which imposes distinction between genuine social movements with democratic character and the demagogic ones, destined to spread extremist ideologies or else, of interest only of few, of groups, or even, of individuals. Washington Luis's accomplishments, in the social field, were not few. The most outstanding ones being: criation of rural Courts, through State Law n. 1.869, published on October 10, 1912; edition of the Statute for Minors through Decree n. 17.943-A, dated October 12, 1927; reformulation of the National Labor Council, through Decree n. 18.074, dated January 1, 1928.