Iwakura Tomomi vs Rui Barbosa

Iwakura Tomomi was a key court noble who supported the imperial restoration. He helped coordinate the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate and the establishment of the Meiji government, serving as a bridge between the court and the samurai rebels.

Iwakura Tomomi led the Iwakura Mission, a diplomatic tour of the United States and Europe. The mission studied Western political, economic, and military systems, providing crucial knowledge for Japan's modernization.

Iwakura Tomomi supported the suppression of the Freedom and People's Rights Movement, which demanded democratic reforms. He believed in gradual reform under imperial authority, leading to the arrest of activists and restrictions on political speech.

Iwakura Tomomi chaired the committee that drafted the Meiji Constitution. He advocated for a strong imperial system with limited parliamentary powers, influencing the final document that established Japan's modern government.

Rui Barbosa was appointed Minister of Finance in the provisional government of the newly proclaimed Republic of Brazil in 1889. He was tasked with reforming the country's financial system.

As Finance Minister, Barbosa implemented the Encilhamento, a policy of monetary expansion and credit liberalization aimed at stimulating economic growth. The policy led to a speculative bubble, rampant inflation, and a financial crisis in 1891.

Rui Barbosa led the Brazilian delegation to the Second Hague Peace Conference in 1907. He argued for the equality of nations and the principle of arbitration, earning international recognition and the nickname 'Eagle of The Hague'.

Rui Barbosa ran for the presidency of Brazil in 1910 as the candidate of the Civilist Party, opposing the military-backed candidate Hermes da Fonseca. Although he lost, his campaign was a landmark for civilian political participation.