The Influence of José da Silva Lisboas Journalism on the Independence of Brazil (1821-1822)
By (author) Guilherme Celestino
Publication date:
01 November 2022Publisher
Anthem PressDimensions:
229x153mm6x9"
ISBN-13: 9781839985072
This work analyses the impact of the publications written by the economist, jurist, administrator and historian José da Silva Lisboa, the future Viscount of Cairu, from 1821 to 1822, on the events that led to the Independence of Brazil in 1822. It reassesses the many interpretations of his role throughout the period, repositioning him among those who are part of the broad reformist Catholic Enlightenment. Although a supporter of Brazilian autonomy, a fierce critic of the Cortes of Lisbon and an important figure in the events that unfolded after the departure of Dom João VI from Rio de Janeiro in 1821, he would not openly embrace the Independence from the United Kingdom with Portugal and would instead work towards a solution that would encompass Brazil’s autonomy within a Portuguese Empire, which did not take place.
By inquiring into José da Silva Lisboa’s role in the process of Independence, Guilherme Celestino seeks to re-evaluate the conventional position he has occupied for such a long time in Brazilian historiography – a conservative or a reactionary – in order to give a new interpretation of the role played by this man. And so, a convinced monarchist emerges, defender of the House of Braganza, who was guided by the Portuguese Enlightenment preaching the renewal of institutions through gradual reform. A book destined to be a reference for studies on the Independence period and on Silva Lisboa’s own thinking’ — Lucia Bastos P. Neves, Professor of Modern History at Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil