Tiradentes - Joaquim José da Silva Xavier

April 21 is a Brazilian national holiday, Tiradentes, commemorating the execution of Joaquim José da Silva Xavier of Minas Gerais state. A man of various talents, including merchant, doctor and dentist, or tooth puller, Tiradentes was disastified with Portuguese rule in Brazil. No doubt influenced by the American War of Independence, Tiradentes led the first organized movememt against the Portuguese.

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