Distintos pelos serviços e seus cabedais: administradores, militares e a sociedade no sertão do Piancó (Capitania da Paraíba do Norte, éculo XVIII).

Abstract

After intense conflicts against the “brave Gentiles”, which began at the end of the century 17th century and extended until the middle of the 18th century, the Piancó the western end of the Paraiba do Norte captaincy was conquered and populated by Lusitanians with expectations of social aggrandizement in the Old World Regime. The now Piancó Term experienced a new social dynamic, initiated by with the organization of an administrative apparatus commanded by Ordinance troops and an Ordinary Judge. The created legal and military spaces contributed to the implementation of a project by the Portuguese State and, consequently, enabled the (re) production of a local elite in the region. Military posts and legal offices guaranteed participation in this local governance and contributed to the production of a sign of social distinction, what we call here a social ethos. Through the use notary sources, wills and inventories produced in the Piancó backlands and separate documents from the Overseas Historical Archive we aimed to analyze how It is possible for a political elite in the Piancó backlands to legitimize themselves socially based on military control and administration of the region during the eighteenth century.