Tiradentes (1748-1792), or José Joaquim da Silva Xavier, was a precursor of Brazilian independence and the national hero of Brazil. He led the 1789 Minas Gerais conspiracy in favor of Brazilian independence and was executed by the Portuguese.

José Joaquim da Silva Xavier was born in the small town of Pombal (today Tiradentes), Minas Gerais, on Nov. 12, 1748. His parents were moderately wealthy, but little evidence exists that he had much formal education. He worked as a merchant and dentist and served in the militia as a cavalry officer. Most often he is picturesquely known by his profession, Tiradentes, or the "toothpuller." He traveled in the captaincies of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro and was aware of and disturbed by the major problems besetting Brazil at the end of the 18th century.

An influx of enlightened ideas from Europe and a growing economic...