Although defeated in the presidential elections of 1930, Vargas seized power in the ensuing revolution, overthrowing the republic and ruling as a virtual dictator for the next 15 years. He furthered Brazil’s modernization by the introduction of fiscal, educational, electoral, and land reforms, but his regime was totalitarian and repressive. He was overthrown in a coup in 1945 but returned to power after elections in 1951. After widespread calls for his resignation, he committed suicide.