O que eram Sesmarias?

Summary

In this video, Professor Brooks explores the concept of 'sesmarias'—land grants originally established in Portugal in 1375 and later adapted in Brazil during colonization. He explains the historical context of land distribution, highlighting its evolution from medieval Portugal to colonial Brazil. The discussion touches on the role of the 'sesmeiro' (land distributor) and the unique characteristics of land management in both countries. Brooks also delves into the ongoing historiographical debate regarding whether Brazil's colonization was medieval or capitalist in nature, providing insight into the complex dynamics of Brazil's colonial history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The topic of the video is about 'sesmarias', an important historical concept related to land distribution in Brazil.
• 😀 'Sesmarias' originated in Portugal in 1375 during the reign of King Dom Fernando, with the goal of making previously unproductive land arable.
• 😀 The Portuguese crown initially implemented 'sesmarias' to boost grain production, particularly wheat, and reduce shortages.
• 😀 In Portugal, the 'sesmeiro' was responsible for organizing and distributing the land, ensuring that landowners were meeting production goals.
• 😀 The concept of 'sesmarias' was later applied in Brazil, starting with land distribution in 1534 under the viceroy and later by governors of hereditary captaincies in 1548.
• 😀 In Brazil, the role of 'sesmeiros' shifted; instead of focusing on land cultivation, they were required to pay tithes to the church and had five years to begin production.
• 😀 There was initially no predetermined size for 'sesmarias', but this changed in 1695 with a standardized measurement of five leagues, which gradually decreased over time.
• 😀 In the 18th century, during the administration of the Marquis of Pombal, the granting of 'sesmarias' was regulated to prevent individuals from holding multiple land titles in different regions.
• 😀 The distribution of 'sesmarias' in Brazil was aimed at colonizing and populating the interior of the country, with the land being a tool to expand Portuguese territorial boundaries.
• 😀 Historians have debated the cultural origins of Brazilian colonization, with some seeing parallels to medieval practices, while others argue it was driven by mercantile motives and economic gain.

Q & A

What is the concept of *sesmarias*?

A *sesmaria* was a portion of land granted by the Portuguese crown to individuals, usually for agricultural production. The system aimed to make land productive, especially to address shortages in grain production in Portugal.

When did the concept of *sesmarias* originate in Portugal?

The concept of *sesmarias* dates back to 1375 during the reign of King Dom Fernando in Portugal.

What was the main purpose of *sesmarias* in Portugal?

The main purpose of *sesmarias* was to make arable lands productive, particularly to reduce the grain shortage, especially in wheat production, which was critical for the country.

Who were the *sesmeiros* and what was their role?

The *sesmeiros* were government officials appointed by the crown in Portugal. Their role was to organize and distribute *sesmarias*, ensuring that the land was used productively and that tithes were paid to the church.

How did the system of *sesmarias* affect land distribution in Brazil?

In Brazil, the distribution of *sesmarias* began legally in 1534, initially carried out by the viceroy and later by governors of the hereditary captaincies. The system was adapted to colonize Brazil's interior and establish limits on Portuguese crown possession.

What key difference existed between *sesmarias* in Portugal and Brazil?

In Portugal, *sesmeiros* were responsible for organizing land distribution and ensuring its productive use. In Brazil, however, *sesmeiros* were not required to cultivate land but instead had to pay tithes to the church. They also had freedom over how to use the land, but could not redistribute it to others.

What changes occurred in the regulation of *sesmarias* in Brazil by the 18th century?

By the 18th century, the size of *sesmarias* in Brazil was regulated. Initially, there were no fixed limits, but from 1695 onwards, they were standardized to five leagues, and later reduced to smaller sizes. During the Marquis of Pombal's administration, the distribution of new lands was restricted to prevent land hoarding.

How did the *sesmarias* system in Brazil contribute to its colonization?

The *sesmarias* system in Brazil played a crucial role in colonizing the interior by granting land to settlers, establishing territorial boundaries, and encouraging the settlement of Portuguese subjects to expand the empire’s control over the region.

What historical debate surrounds the colonization of Brazil and its connection to medieval practices?

There has been a debate among historians about whether the colonization of Brazil had its roots in medieval practices, particularly regarding land distribution and labor relations. Some scholars argue that medieval colonization methods influenced Brazil's development, while others believe it was primarily driven by mercantile interests.

Why is the colonization of Brazil considered unique in terms of historical perspectives?

The colonization of Brazil is considered unique because it does not neatly fit into either a medieval or capitalist framework. While aspects of medieval systems influenced the land distribution, the mercantile nature of colonization and the use of slave labor complicate a purely medieval or capitalist interpretation.