Cangaço was a social movement and form of banditry that emerged in the northeastern region of Brazil during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was characterized by groups of armed outlaws, known as cangaceiros, who resisted the oppressive conditions imposed by landowners and the government. The cangaceiros often roamed the arid backlands, engaging in violent confrontations and stealing from wealthy landowners. The most famous leader of the cangaço was Lampião, who became a legendary figure in Brazilian folklore. Cangaço was not only a response to social injustice but also a cultural phenomenon, influencing literature, music, and art in Brazil. The movement eventually declined due to government crackdowns and changing social conditions.