Dynamics of local power: the chambers of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador in a scenario of transfer of power (1679-1766)

Abstract

This research aims to monitor the impact of the transfer of power from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro from one of the local institutions: their councils. Since 1679 and in response to an open context for the restoration of Portuguese independence, the rise of the dynasty of Braganza, the expulsion of the Dutch from the captaincies of Brazilian Northeast and the fights for consolidation of sovereignty in the south of the territory, Rio de Janeiro tended to occupy the central position in Portuguese politics, culminating in its transformation into a general seat of government and the viceroyalty of Brazil in 1763. This transfer of power and consequently status in the administrative structure of the empire may have had ramifications and provoked reactions in municipal administration and functionalism. The work of this matter will be made by means of diverse correspondence sent by chambers of Bahia (1549) and Rio de Janeiro (1566) to the Conselho Ultramarino. (AU)