1933

Appointed executive secretary by Valadares – The political life of Juscelino began with the “Revolução Constitucionalista” (the Constitutionalist Revolution) of 1932. The friendships made during his time at the front directed his life in ways he never would have thought of. How could that young physician ever have expected that Benedito Valadares would be appointed “Interventor de Minas Gerais” (federally appointed governor of Minas Gerais state) under the provisional government of Getúlio Vargas? And how could Juscelino ever have anticipated that this very Benedito (with whom a friendship had arisen during the revolution) would ask him to act as “Secretário do Governo de Minas Gerais” (chief-of-staff in the Minas Gerais state government)? Juscelino gave this offer much thought, especially since he did not want to quit his job as a physician. However, as the “Interventor” and friend kept insisting, Juscelino accepted the position in December 1933. So began the political career of JK.