Antônio Moreira César

Antônio Moreira César
Born	(1850-07-09)July 9, 1850 Pindamonhangaba
Died	March 4, 1897(1897-03-04) (aged 46) Canudos
Allegiance	Brazil
Service/branch	Brazilian Army
Rank	Colonel
Battles/wars	Revolta da Armada Federalist Riograndense Revolution War of Canudos

Antônio Moreira César (July 9, 1850 – March 4, 1897) was a Brazilian army officer who fought on the side of the government forces in the Revolta da Armada, Federalist Riograndense Revolution and the War of Canudos. He was governor of the state of Santa Catarina in 1894 and was killed in action fighting against the rebels of Antonio Conselheiro.

Biography

César was born in the state of São Paulo to Antônio Moreira César de Almeida (1814–1860) and his wife Francisca Correia de Toledo (1818–1895).

War of Canudos (1896–1897)

After a defeat at the hands of the Canudos rebels, the Brazilian Army sent César to lead a large expeditionary force against them consisting of three infantry battalions, one cavalry and one artillery battalion, which were all newly armed and trained. Despite the new knowledge gained about the size and resolve of the rebels, it was thought impossible that they could resist such a strong regular army force. However, the Canudos rebels defeated César’s column after only two days of fighting, resulting in another great loss of life and military material among the Brazilian forces, as well as the death of César himself.