A província do Maranhão no processo de Independência: estratégias e perspectivas dos homens de negócio “portugueses”

Abstract

The first years of the 19th century were marked by the strengthening of businessman in Maranhão. However, the province went through troubled times between adhering the Porto Revolution, in 182l, and “adhering” to the Independence of Brazil, in 1823. The strong opposition of Portuguese businessman to the project of political separation from Portugal undermined the power achieved by them after “adhering” to the province. Businessmen in the commercial square of Maranhão began to be understood, post-Independence, as “Portuguese” and, consequently, a threat to the construction of the new State. In 1825, after the conflicts subsided, these businessmen sought to re-establish themselves alongside the new provincial government. Therefore, the objective of this article is to analyze the performance of Portuguese businessmen in the process of resistance and “adhesion” of Maranhão to the political separation project initiated in Rio de Janeiro, between 1821 and 1826. Through the actions of the Business Association, we will analyze the strategies used by “Portuguese” businessmen to reposition themselves politically in Maranhão, as well as to discuss the different nuances that marked the construction of the recently created State of Brazil.

Keywords

• Maranhão
• Independence of Brazil
• Traders
• Business Association
• National State