Formação e trajetória do primeiro MR-8: possibilidades e limites de construção de uma vanguarda revolucionária político-militar (1964-1969)

Abstract

This master‟s thesis deals with the formation and trajectory of the first MR-8 (Movimento Revolucionário 8 de Outubro), an armed group that was formed in order to confront the dictatorship established by the Coup of 64, attempting its overthrow and the construction of socialism in Brazil. Beginning as a PCB Dissent in Rio de Janeiro (DI-RJ) in 1964, at a time when the party was suffering cracks in many states of Brazil, its members rallied several frames of other organizations, such as Dissent of Paraná (DI-PR), Polop, Ação Popular (AP) and the Ligas Camponesas, proposing constitute a "revolutionary front". Having the break from the PCB been motivated by differences not only with the concept of "revolution through peaceful means" adopted by the party, as well as the paradigm of "revolution by stages", the MR-8, which advocated direct transition to socialismo, sought inspiration in several international revolutionary experiences. Being attracted by the recent success of the Cuban Revolution, members of the movement sought in the "theory of guerrilla focus", developed by Ernesto Guevara and Régis Debray, a starting point for building a revolutionary vanguard in a country ravaged by a Corporate-Military Dictatorship, as was the case in Brazil. However, during the development of their actions, the militants of the MR-8, due to the difficulties and limitations found in concrete experiences, would adapt the theory of guerrilla focus the possibilities afforded at that historic moment. Having its downfall in August 1969, Movimento Revolucionário 8 de Outubro was one of the first Brazilian armed Marxist organizations to fight the Corporate-Military Dictatorship, as well as one of the first to be destroyed by repression. To better understand the theoretical discussions taking place among its members, we will articulate the discussion of "party" developed by Lenin with the "theory of guerrilla focus", from the perspective of Ernesto Guevara and Régis Debray. To rebuild his career, we use a number of historical sources, some produced by the organization, by other law enforcement agencies as well as books written by people who took part or had contact with the group in question