Bento Gonçalves da Silva explained

Bento Gonçalves
Order:President of the Riograndense Republic
Vicepresident:Gomes Jardim
Term Start:6 November 1836
Term End:1841
Predecessor:Office established
Successor:Gomes Jardim
Spouse:Cayetana Juana Francisca García González
Birth Date:23 September 1788
Birth Place:Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, State of Brazil
Death Place:Pedras Brancas, Rio Grande do Sul, Empire of Brazil
Party:Ragamuffin Party
Battles:
Allegiance:
United Kingdom

Branch:Portuguese Army
Imperial Brazilian Army
Riograndense Army
Serviceyears:1811–1844

Bento Gonçalves da Silva (23 September 1788  - 18 July 1847) was a Brazilian army officer, politician and rebel leader of the Riograndense Republic. He was the first President of the Riograndense Republic and, by all accounts, one of the most prominent figures in the history of Rio Grande do Sul.

Although a staunch monarchist, Gonçalves led the rebel forces in the Ragamuffin War. Radicals within the rebel ranks forced the rebellion to become republican, something that Gonçalves opposed. Still, even though he fought against the Empire of Brazil, Gonçalves and his troops celebrated the birthday of the young emperor Pedro II of Brazil. After the conflict ended with the victory of the Empire, Gonçalves paid his respect to Pedro II by kissing his hand during the latter's trip to Rio Grande do Sul in December 1845.

His main companions in arms during the rebellion were Antônio de Souza Neto and Giuseppe Garibaldi.

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