Why Did African Slavery Increase in Brazil Before Its Abolition in 1888?
Despite the widespread myth that African slavery was gradually phased out in Brazil, the truth is that the institution experienced a significant expansion during the Colonial Era and even beyond, until the immense scandal of the 1888 debate.
Historical Context of Slavery in Brazil
The Early Stages of Colonial Brazil (1500-1700): The Asian spice trade and the transatlantic slave trade converged in the late 16th century, leading to the influx of displaced Africans into Brazil. Slaves were primarily captives taken from the coastal regions of West Africa, brought to the Portuguese colonies, and then distributed to various parts of the Brazilian coast.
Growth and Expansion (1700-1808): By the 18th century, with the rise of the coffee industry, the demand for labor increased sharply. Slavery became a central feature of the colonial economy, with a significant portion of the industry based on sugar production in the northeast and the rapid development of coffee plantations in the southeast.
Factors Contributing to the Increase in African Slavery
Economic Growth and Urbanization: The capitalist expansion in Brazil, particularly in the cities, led to a cyclical demand for labor. The need for more skilled artisans, like painters and carpenters, in urban areas often coincided with the expansion of the plantation system. This demand for skilled labor was concurrent with the plantation system that relied heavily on slave labor.
Colonial Doctrine and Legal Framework: The Portuguese King's edicts and subsequent policies created an environment that not only tolerated but also perpetuated slavery. Slavery was legalized in Brazil through royal charters and decrees from the Portuguese crown, and the Colonial Law provided a legal framework that sustained the institution.
Impact of European Immigrants and Labor Demand
Immigration and Labor Supply: European immigration to Brazil began in the 18th century, with Iberian and Italian settlers and other European groups. While these immigrants contributed to the workforce, they were generally not enough to meet the demand for labor, especially in the agriculture and plantation sectors. This led to a continued reliance on African slaves.
Plantation and Coffee Boom: The rise of coffee as a major export commodity in the 18th and 19th centuries necessitated a large labor force. The Coffee Revolutions in the 1850s and 1860s further intensified the demand for labor, leading to the expansion of slave labor in the coffee plantations of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.
Social and Political Influences
19th Century Social Movements: As the 19th century progressed, social and political movements against slavery began to gain momentum. However, the powerful estamental elites who owned the Plantations and possessed considerable political and economic power maintained their grip on the institution of slavery.
Debate on Abolition: The dismantling of slavery in Brazil was heavily debated in the deliberative assemblies and among the public. The estamental elites, who benefited economically from slave labor, opposed abolition. Their influence was so strong that it was not until the 1888 that the abolitionist movement succeeded in passing the Ley de Aboli??o de Servid?o.
Conclusion
The increase in African slavery in Brazil before its complete abolition in 1888 is a complex and multifaceted issue. The interplay of economic growth, demographic changes, and social pressures contributed to the expansion of the institution. Despite early debates and opposition, the powerful economic and political interests of the plantation owners and the estamental elites ensured that slavery remained a central aspect of the Brazilian economy until the late 19th century.
Understanding the historical context and the societal dynamics behind the expansion of slavery is crucial for contextualizing the historical legacy of the African-descendant communities in modern Brazil.