#VariaHistoria30 - VH & Projeto República - Série Diálogos com Historiadores - Lúcia Guimaraes

Summary

In this interview, historian Lúcia Maria Pascoal Guimarães discusses the history of the Instituto Histórico e Geográfico Brasileiro (IHGB), its foundational role in shaping Brazilian historiography, and its evolution over time. She highlights how the IHGB's 19th-century members were political figures and intellectuals who constructed a centralized national history to support the Brazilian Empire. Guimarães also explores the shift of the IHGB in the 20th century into a more pluralistic, academically diverse institution, embracing contributions from historians, diplomats, and professionals from various fields, reflecting the changing intellectual landscape of Brazil.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Instituto Histórico e Geográfico Brasileiro (IHGB) was founded in 1838 by influential public figures with a goal of constructing the history and geography of Brazil.
• 😀 The founders of the IHGB were mainly members of the independence generation and had political ties, including close relationships with the emperor.
• 😀 The early historiography produced by IHGB focused on consolidating the Brazilian Empire and promoting national unity, often overlooking controversial recent events.
• 😀 Historians at the IHGB in the 19th century emphasized a narrative that avoided controversial topics such as republican ideas and regional rebellions.
• 😀 The historiography created by the IHGB was oriented towards strengthening the imperial monarchy and supporting centralization, which was seen as essential for Brazil’s stability.
• 😀 In the mid-19th century, the monarchy was considered a legitimate and civilized form of governance in Brazil, in line with most European countries at the time.
• 😀 Historical narratives constructed by IHGB members downplayed republican movements and rebellions, presenting them as youthful outbursts against the imperial project.
• 😀 The legacy of the 19th-century IHGB was carried on through the work of later historians, who continued to uphold the notion of a unified Brazil and the importance of imperial rule.
• 😀 In the 20th century, the IHGB evolved into a more diverse institution, no longer directly funded by the emperor or the republic, but remaining a private society.
• 😀 Today, the IHGB is a plural institution with a strong academic presence, where historians from various backgrounds, including diplomats and academics, collaborate and contribute to its activities.

Q & A

What was the main purpose of the Instituto Histórico e Geográfico Brasileiro when it was founded?

The Instituto Histórico e Geográfico Brasileiro was founded in 1838 with the primary goal of constructing the history and geography of the newly founded Brazilian nation. Its founders were mostly public figures with political interests who aimed to preserve the unity and centralization of the Brazilian Empire.

How were the political and intellectual roles of the members of the Instituto connected?

The members of the Instituto were often political figures who also had intellectual and literary backgrounds. Many were poets, writers, and thinkers, reflecting a blend of politics and intellectualism. They were part of the generation that had experienced Brazil's independence and used their intellectual roles to support the construction of the Empire.

What type of history did the members of the Instituto produce during the 19th century?

The history produced by the members of the Instituto was designed to support the project of building a centralized, monarchical state. It emphasized the unity of the nation, avoiding controversy by not addressing recent events or rebellions, which were seen as disruptive to the monarchy.

Why did the members of the Instituto avoid discussing the recent past and rebellions?

The recent past, especially the rebellions and republican ideas, were avoided because they were politically sensitive and could implicate those involved in the Institute. Discussing these topics was seen as a threat to the stability and unity of the Empire, so the focus was placed on the distant past and on consolidating the monarchy.

How did the idea of 'national unity' influence the historical narrative produced by the Instituto?

The narrative produced by the Instituto emphasized national unity, particularly in terms of centralization and support for the monarchy. The historical accounts often portrayed earlier rebellions as part of a young nation’s growing pains, with the aim of reinforcing the idea of the Empire as the right form of governance.

How did the perception of the monarchy influence the historiography of the 19th century?

The perception of the monarchy was deeply embedded in the historiography of the 19th century. The members of the Instituto, coming from the generation that had fought for independence, saw the monarchy as the ideal and necessary system for Brazil, aligning their historical narratives to support this view and downplay any republican or revolutionary ideas.

What was the role of the Instituto after the monarchy, particularly in the 20th century?

In the 20th century, the Instituto became less focused on supporting the monarchy and more on recognizing and promoting the work of historians. It evolved into a pluralistic institution, where historians from different backgrounds, including diplomats and university-trained scholars, could contribute, reflecting a broader range of perspectives.

How has the role of the Instituto changed with its new members in the 20th century?

The Instituto's role shifted significantly in the 20th century. It became a place for academic recognition rather than political support. It became more pluralistic, incorporating historians from diverse fields and backgrounds, including diplomats, university scholars, and even legal experts, enriching its academic contributions.

What role did diplomacy play in the development of historiography at the Instituto?

Diplomats played a significant role in the development of historiography at the Instituto. Many diplomats were also historians, contributing to a unique blend of academic and diplomatic perspectives. Figures like Alberto da Costa e Silva and Evaldo Cabral de Melo represent this tradition, bringing historical insights from both diplomacy and academia.

What recent academic activities have taken place at the Instituto?

Recently, the Instituto has hosted academic events such as seminars, including one on the United Kingdom and its influence on Brazilian history. This reflects the growing involvement of various fields, including law and diplomacy, in historical discussions, showing the Institute's commitment to fostering a dynamic and interdisciplinary academic environment.