Um porto negro ao sul do Império: estudo sobre escravidão e criminalidade em Rio Grande (1850-1888)

Abstract

This research seeks to examine the social dynamics of slavery in Rio Grande, between the years of 1850 and 1888. In the 19th century, this city was characterized by being the only seaport in the province of Rio Grande do Sul, being crucial the economy of this region. Between the end of the Atlantic slave trade and the end of slavery, many economic, social and political changes occorred in Brazil. Marked by tensions, conflicts and disputes, this period constitutes a fruitful moment for analyzing slavery. So, this work aims to investigate slave’s and freedmen crime, it’s characteristics, it’s transformations throughtout the 19th century, the profile of defendants and victims. The antagonism between masters and slaves is also examined, seeking to observe it in rural, urban and maritime areas. Tensions between enslaved people are also observed, analyzing the disputes of captivity in work and in sociability, gender, conflicts between enslaved women and men. Finally, the resistance strategies against slavery are also studied. This study combines the social history of slavery and the history of crime, criminality and criminal justice. From a methodological perspective, it uses both quantitative approach, examining crime, and a qualitative methodology, seeking to understand the social world of enslaved workers.