Senhores absolutos desta província: a família Monteiro de Barros e suas redes de poder em Minas Gerais na primeira metade do século XIX

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the performance of the Monteiro de Barros family in politics and the judiciary of Minas Gerais in the first half of the 19th century. It seeks to understand the formation and consolidation of one of the most powerful families of the period, both economically and politically. The extensive family network began in the colonial period, with the arrival of Patriarch Manuel José Monteiro de Barros. Born in Northern Portugal, he came to Brazil due to gold exploration. After marrying, Manuel José was responsible for constituting a huge family that actively participated in the political life of the Empire. For this, it is intended to accompany the insertion of some members of this family in the public administration, perceiving the conformed networks of power, as well as the conflicts generated. As a typical elite group, they attended the University of Coimbra and were farmers, politicians, judges and ombudsmen. Inserted in the scope of elite studies, the research aims to contribute to the understanding of Minas Gerais political dynamics in the context of the process of construction of the Brazilian National State. As a research methodology, the use of Microhistory stands out from the theoretical perspective of Social History and Political History.