Leis abolicionistas - Brasil Escola

Abolitionist Laws in Brazil: A Complex Journey

Introduction to Abolitionist Laws

• Professor Natália Freitas introduces the topic of abolitionist laws in Brazil, emphasizing that the process was not as simple as the signing of the Lei Áurea by Princess Isabel in 1888.

• The abolition process was long and gradual, involving various factors such as resistance movements, revolts, and actions from abolitionists.

Early Proposals for Abolition

• In 1823, politician José Bonifácio proposed abolishing slavery in Brazil's first constitution; however, Emperor Dom Pedro I rejected this proposal.

• The first constitution never came into effect due to its dissolution by Dom Pedro I, leading to a new constitution being established in 1824.

International Pressure and Internal Resistance

• England pressured Portugal to abolish slavery since the early 19th century; however, Brazil did not comply even after independence.

• The abolition movement included significant internal resistance through revolts like the Conjuração Baiana and Revolta dos Malês.

Key Abolitionist Laws of the 19th Century

Law Feijó (1831)

• Promulgated during the transition from the First Reign to the Regencial Period, it prohibited African slave importation but was ineffective in practice.

• The term "law for English eyes" emerged from this law's failure to enforce actual change despite its existence.

Bill Aberdeen (1845)

• An English law that intensified scrutiny on slave trade routes and allowed British naval forces to seize Brazilian ships suspected of piracy related to slave trading.

Eusébio de Queirós Law (1850)

• This law effectively prohibited slave trafficking from Africa. However, it led to an increase in internal trafficking within Brazil instead.

Nabuco de Araújo Law (1854)

• Aimed at enforcing penalties against those who continued illegal trafficking of Africans into Brazil.

Impact of War on Slavery

Paraguayan War (1864)

• During this conflict, enslaved individuals were promised freedom if they enlisted in military service. Many were coerced into joining under false pretenses.

Later Legislative Developments

Decree 1695 (1869)

• This decree prevented separation of enslaved children under 15 years from their mothers during sales or transfers.

Ventre Livre Law (1871)

• Established that children born after its enactment would be free. It also allowed enslaved individuals some rights regarding negotiating their freedom.

Saraiva Law (1881)

• Restricted voting rights for illiterate individuals which disproportionately affected freed slaves and those seeking emancipation due to high illiteracy rates among them.

Sexagenarian Law (1885)

• Freed enslaved individuals over 60 years old; however, few benefited due to low life expectancy at that time.

Final Legislation: Lei Áurea

Signing and Implications

• Signed by Princess Isabel in 1888 without provisions for integrating freed individuals into society. Its impact was limited due to prior gradual processes leading up to it.

Conclusion: Complexity of Abolition

Societal Impact

• Emphasizes that many freed people faced marginalization without inclusion policies post-emancipation.

Supporters and Opponents

• Various groups supported abolition including religious organizations and intellectual figures like Joaquim Nabuco while others sought to maintain slavery for economic reasons.

Notable Figures in Abolition Movement

• Highlights contributions from notable black figures such as José do Patrocínio and André Rebolsas who played crucial roles alongside women activists like Maria Firmina dos Reis.