a dentist by trade, tiradentes (translatable as 'tooth puller') was the first to organize an independence movement of brazil from portugal.

educated and familiar with the revolutions sweeping north america and france, he saw the exploitation taking place in brazil and decided that something needed to be done.

organizing the inconfidencia mineira, proposing complete independence, he was betrayed and later turned over by one of his confidents.

taking full responsibility for the rebellion, he was sentenced to death and was hanged in rio de janeiro, in what has become Praça Tiradentes - the site of a national monument, events and tributes on this holiday.