Livres, libertos e escravos na história da população de Santa Catarina, 1787-1836

Abstract

This study presents considerations regarding the history of the population in Santa Catarina between the years 1787 and 1836. The sources are 12 “population maps”. Through the application of regular instruments of historical demography, this article aims to analyze characteristics and transformations of the population and economic structure of the area. The population under study experienced growth, albeit with periods of oscillation. These three social categories ‘free men, freedmen and slaves’ presented different growth tendencies through the years, such as the continued increase in the number of women among the categories free men and freedmen, and the major presence of men under the slave category. The economic scenario involved predominantly agrarian activities. Districts and parishes with the largest proportion of flour mills and sugar mills had the highest percentages of slaves. On the other hand, localities with fewer mills had lower slave participation. Thus, the establishment of a population structure resulting from competition and association between peasantry and slavery was observed. In this context, small farmers with slaves were common.