1895 Riograndense general election (Rags to Riches)

The 1895 Riograndense general election was the tenth general election in the history of the Riograndense Republic. Held on August 11, 1895 these elections determined the next president of the Republic and the Tenth Chamber of Deputies. These elections marked the first time that the Moderate Liberal Party gained the presidency while holding on to the Chamber, thus securing the control over the country's executive and legislative branches.

Context
The election was held during a period of prosperity that had begun during the first presidency of Celestino Martins (1877-83). The campaign was fought over social issues, as the main parties were broadly supportive of president Martins' economic policies. The Radical Party was largely supportive of progressive policies. In contrast, the Moderate Liberals defended laissez-faire policies. In addition to the definitive split of the Liberal Party, the political field saw the emergence of a socialist Labor Party, supported by the country's nascent workers' unions.