ENEM 2021, História do Brasil - Guerra dos mascates

Summary

The 'War of the Peddlers' was a nativist revolt that emerged from the tensions between the towns of Olinda and Recife in the early 18th century. Olinda, once a prosperous colonial city, began to decline as the sugar cycle weakened, leaving many sugar mill owners in debt. In contrast, Recife, a small town under Olinda’s control, sought independence and elevation to town status, threatening the political dominance of Olinda’s elite. This conflict resulted in Recife’s emancipation and eventual rise as the capital of Pernambuco, marking a significant shift in the region's power dynamics.

Takeaways

• 😀 The War of the Peddlers was a nativist revolt that highlighted the crisis of the colonial system.
• 😀 The term 'peddlers' referred to the natives of Olinda, who had a significant role in this historical conflict.
• 😀 Olinda was the capital of Pernambuco and one of the most important cities during the height of the sugar cycle in the Northeast.
• 😀 Recife was initially a small town under the authority of Olinda until the early 18th century.
• 😀 The sugar cycle's decline in the second half of the 17th century led to economic problems for the sugar mill owners in Olinda.
• 😀 In 1709, Portuguese merchants proposed the elevation of Recife to a town, which caused tensions with Olinda's sugar mill owners.
• 😀 The sugar mill owners, who were heavily in debt, felt threatened by the proposal for Recife's emancipation and status as a town.
• 😀 The conflict between the sugar mill owners and Recife's merchants escalated into a war that lasted almost a year, around 1709.
• 😀 Recife ultimately achieved emancipation and became a town in 1710, gaining the status of capital of Pernambuco.
• 😀 The historical conflict led to Recife usurping Olinda's position as the capital, marking a significant shift in the region's political and economic landscape.

Q & A

What is the 'war of the peddlers' about?

The 'war of the peddlers' refers to a nativist revolt in which the residents of Olinda, known as 'peddlers,' opposed the idea of Recife gaining independence and becoming a town, which would challenge Olinda's status as the capital of Pernambuco.

Why are nativist revolts considered thermometers of the colonial system?

Nativist revolts are seen as indicators or 'thermometers' of the colonial system because they highlight the growing crisis within the colonial structure, demonstrating dissatisfaction and resistance against the colonial rule.

How did the city of Olinda compare to Recife during the colonial period?

During the colonial period, Olinda was a thriving and wealthy city, especially during the height of the sugar cycle. It was the capital of Pernambuco and a significant hub for the sugar industry, whereas Recife was a smaller town subject to Olinda's influence.

What led to the decline of Olinda's importance in the 17th century?

The decline of Olinda's importance occurred as the sugar cycle in the region started to wane in the second half of the 17th century. Sugar mill owners went into debt, and the economy of Olinda began to decline, contributing to the city's diminishing power.

What proposal did the Portuguese merchants make regarding Recife in 1709?

In 1709, Portuguese merchants proposed to the Portuguese crown that Recife should be emancipated from Olinda and elevated to the status of a town, much like Olinda had been. This proposal was seen as a threat to the existing power structures in Olinda.

What was the primary cause of the conflict between Recife and Olinda in the early 18th century?

The main cause of the conflict was the proposal for Recife to become a separate town and capital, usurping Olinda's position as the capital of Pernambuco. This created a rivalry and led to a battle between the sugar mill owners of Olinda and the merchants of Recife.

How long did the conflict between Recife and Olinda last?

The conflict between Recife and Olinda lasted for almost a year, from late 1709 until 1710, when Recife successfully achieved emancipation and became a town.

What was the outcome of the war of the peddlers?

The outcome of the war was that Recife defeated the sugar mill owners of Olinda and gained emancipation, becoming the capital of Pernambuco, replacing the declining city of Olinda.

How is the architecture of Olinda and Recife influenced by colonial history?

Both Olinda and Recife's architecture bear strong influences from Portuguese colonizers and the Dutch presence in the region. This colonial legacy is evident in the cities' buildings, which reflect the period of European influence in Brazil.

What role did the Dutch play in the history of Pernambuco?

The Dutch played a significant role in Pernambuco during the early 17th century, especially in the development of the region's sugar industry. Pernambuco became known as 'the new Amsterdam' due to Dutch involvement in the colonial enterprise.