Augusto Tasso Fragoso was educated at the Praia Vermelha Military Academy and Superior War Academy at Rio de Janeiro. He participated in the coup of 15 Nov 1889 and was elected (1890) to the National Constituent Congress as a deputy for Maranhão, but refused to take his seat. He briefly served at the prefecture of the Federal District (1891-1892) and was seriously wounded (9 Feb 1894) during the suppression of the Navy Revolt. He progressed in his military career attaining the rank of colonel in April 1914 and was named chief of the military staff (1914) under President Venceslau Brás Pereira Gomes continuing in this position until 1917. Promoted to brigadier general in January 1918 and to general of division in December 1922, Tasso Fragoso was appointed chief of the Army General Staff (1922-1929). Being the senior general officer in active service, Tasso Fragoso was approached by General João de Deus Mena Barreto and other conspirators in 1930 about heading the revolution. Aided by Mena Barreto and Alfredo Malan d' Angrogne, Tasso Fragoso demanded the resignation of President Washington Luís Pereira de Sousa, who emphatically refused. After the arrest of Washington Luís arranged by the military leaders, they formed a provisional junta (24 Oct 1930) chaired by Tasso Fragoso as senior member. In 1931 Fragoso returned to the post of chief of the Army General Staff (31 Mar 1931 - 16 Aug 1931). Named a minister of the Supreme Military Tribunal (1933), Tasso Fragoso served until February 1938, when he retired. A prominent military historian, Tasso Fragoso wrote a number of books on armed conflicts. [2] [3] |
