As more cracks began to show in Vargas’ foundation, the country was adversely affected. Where Vargas had the option to silence his critics with threat of incarceration under the New State, this new era made him much more susceptible to his opposition. It certainly was not a secret that Vargas was growing frustrated with those who spoke out against him and when one of his adversaries, Carlos Lacerda, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, many believed Vargas to be the primary suspect. Evidence led investigators to members of the administration who appeared to have acted outside Getulio’s knowledge, but when it became obvious that there were many shady activities going on with the same group, blame came full circle to Vargas and his failure
