Class System

1. Class System • Captaincy System • Masters and Slaves- Tendency to identify labor with slavery gave rise to a large class or “poor whites” • Mazombos(Brazilian-born whites)VS. Reinois (Peninsulars)

2. Class System • In the sugar-growing northeast, the great planters became a distinct aristocratic class • In the cattle- raising regions of the south, the greater freedom of movement of workers gave society a more democratic tone

3. Economic Situation • Captaincy System • French, Dutch, and English Challenges- economic struggle against foreign nations promoted unity • Pombaline Reforms( ~ Bourbon Reforms)- sought to improve economy, but was ineffective • Mercantilist System • Napoleon’s invasion of Portugal

4. Indigenous People • Banderiantes ( ~Kurakas), who were themselves mestizosin most cases, practiced slave raiding • Pombaline Reform forbade enslavement > indigenous people intermarried and became part of the population

5. Political Situation • Inefficient governors- overlapping functions & intervention of home government • Senado de Camara (~Juntas)- wealthy merchants, planters, & professionals men