After 1937, during the "Estado Novo" period when Vargas seized power by decree, Villa-Lobos continued producing patriotic works directly accessible to mass audiences. Independence Day on September 7, 1939 involved 30,000 children singing the national anthem and items arranged by Villa-Lobos. For the 1943 celebrations he also composed the ballet "Dança da terra", which the authorities deemed unsuitable until it was revised. The 1943 celebrations did include Villa-Lobos's hymn "Invocação em defesa da pátria" shortly after Brazil's declaring war on Germany and its allies.