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The Division of Brazil in 1621: The Creation of the State of Maranhão
In 1621, the Portuguese Crown made a significant administrative decision regarding its colony in South America: Brazil was divided into two separate states. This division was part of a broader strategy to improve governance, strengthen colonial control, and better manage the vast and diverse territories under Portuguese rule.
By the early 17th century, Brazil had grown into a sprawling colony, stretching along the Atlantic coast and into the interior. The colony was primarily focused on sugar production, which had become a lucrative industry, particularly in the northeastern region. However, the vastness of the territory and the challenges of communication and administration made it difficult for the Portuguese Crown to effectively govern the entire colony from a single administrative center.
To address these challenges, King Philip III of Portugal (who was also Philip IV of Spain, as the two crowns were united under the Iberian Union from 1580 to 1640) issued a decree in 1621 dividing Brazil into two separate states:
The State of Brazil (Estado do Brasil): This state encompassed the southern and central regions of the colony, including the prosperous sugar-producing areas of Bahia, Pernambuco, and Rio de Janeiro. The capital of the State of Brazil remained in Salvador, which had been the colonial capital since 1549.
The State of Maranhão (Estado do Maranhão): This state included the northern regions of the colony, particularly the areas around the Amazon River and the northern coast, including the cities of São Luís and Belém. The capital of the State of Maranhão was established in São Luís.
The division was motivated by several factors:
Administrative Efficiency: The vast size of Brazil made it difficult to govern effectively from a single center. By creating two states, the Portuguese Crown hoped to improve administrative efficiency and ensure better control over the colony.
Economic Focus: The State of Maranhão was seen as a frontier region with potential for expansion and exploitation of new resources, such as timber, spices, and indigenous labor. The division allowed for more focused economic development in both regions.
Strategic Defense: The northern region of Brazil was vulnerable to attacks by European rivals, particularly the Dutch and the French, who were interested in gaining a foothold in the Americas. By establishing a separate state in the north, the Portuguese Crown aimed to strengthen its defenses and protect its interests in the region.
The division of Brazil into two states had several important consequences:
Increased Colonial Control: The creation of the State of Maranhão allowed the Portuguese Crown to exert greater control over the northern regions of Brazil, which had previously been more isolated and less integrated into the colonial economy.
Economic Development: The State of Maranhão became a focus for new economic activities, including the exploitation of Amazonian resources and the establishment of new settlements. However, the region faced significant challenges, including resistance from indigenous populations and competition from European rivals.
Cultural and Social Changes: The division also led to changes in the social and cultural dynamics of the colony. The State of Maranhão, with its focus on the Amazon and northern regions, developed a distinct identity from the more established and economically powerful State of Brazil.
The division of Brazil into two states was not permanent. In 1654, following the expulsion of the Dutch from northeastern Brazil, the Portuguese Crown decided to reunify the colony under a single administration. The State of Maranhão was abolished, and Brazil was once again governed as a single entity. However, the division of 1621 had lasting effects on the development of the northern regions of Brazil, which continued to have a distinct identity and economic focus within the larger colony.
In conclusion, the division of Brazil in 1621 was a significant event in the history of Portuguese colonial administration. It reflected the challenges of governing a vast and diverse colony and highlighted the strategic and economic priorities of the Portuguese Crown during the early 17th century.