From Luso-Brazilian Fraternity to 'Lusobrasileirismo': The Role of Portuguese Immigrant Community in Brazil in the Building up of a Portuguese Colonial Discourse (c.1870-1922)

Internal economic crisis and harsh international atmosphere created by the new-imperialism could be identified as two of the major issues that concerned and affected Portuguese political decision in the late 19th early 20th century. Portuguese immigrant community in Brazil (the so called Portuguese colónia) could be of a help for both of these troubles. As one of the most important consumers of Portuguese exports, these immigrants could have the key to some relief on the financial concerns. Furthermore, as a successful example of Portuguese capacities for colonization, Portuguese colónia in Brazil could also contribute, in a more figurative but not less significant way, to the international recognition of Portugal as a modern colonial nation. In this context, the luso-brazilian idea suffered a deep and progressive change. Reflecting the emergence of a Portuguese imperial conscience, started to be possible to think and say that in those days the Portuguese soul lay in Brazil. This judgment had two complementary significances and purposes: it intended to distinguish the Portuguese colónia as an example of patriotism, but it also meant to use Brazil as a symbolic pledge to a higher perception of Portugal – the nationalist discourse of a Portugal Maior. It’s easy to understand how the Portuguese immigrants in Brazil were interested in the consolidation of this ideology and aware of the concrete benefits they could obtain from it. That’s why it’s so important consider Portuguese colónia as an active agent in the conversion of the luzo-brazilian friendship into a political and colonial discourse, and analyze its role within the process.