Relações homem-natureza: o discurso político sobre agricultura e extrativismo na província do Amazonas (1852-1889)

Abstract

From a representative point of view, this thesis seeks to demonstrate the understanding of nature by the governors of the state of Amazonas between the years of 1852 and 1889. Concomitant to this purpose, the view on the social milieu of these representatives of the monarchic power has also been taken into consideration in this discourse. Throughout the almost four decade existence of the province, the general view on nature in this region has been maintained. Nevertheless a new connection is perceived regarding the postures of decrees on the natural environment during the last two decades, presenting themselves as more pragmatic actions for the organization of this environment. Primarily through reports from governors of the Amazon province, the natural and human characteristics of the region are analyzed with the additional intention of outlining the difficulties of implementing the nation s civilization project. This project involved the recognition, as part of the national territory as well as the regional survey, of the people living in secluded areas of the country. Nature played an essential role in the definition of nationality as it contained the most valuable assets of the Brazilian empire, which was seeking to establish itself as a civilized nation that had the knowledge and was essentially able to cultivate the rich uncivilized lands. In the face of the of the civilization project that involved the natural environment as well as the inhabitants of the country, the Amazon governors, defending and representing the same project, explained in their reports the difficult task of its realization. The region has been described as a deserted and backward place; in the reports its still uncultivated nature and its idle and wandering population appear as a problematic reality still subject to transformation. Therefore by proclaiming a dull social state they presented plans and ways of civilizing nature and native tribes and clearly believed Amazon region represented a great promise for the future