In the aftermath of the American Civil War, a unique migration took place that intertwined the histories of Brazil and the United States. Southerners, disenchanted with the defeat of the Confederacy and the social changes during Reconstruction, sought a new beginning. Their destination was Brazil, a nation that, at the time, still practiced slavery and seemed to align with their pre-war way of life.
Migration Motives and Early Settlement
Between 1865 and 1875, an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 Confederates relocated to Brazil. They were lured by the Brazilian government’s incentives, including offers of cheap land and tax breaks. The state of São Paulo became their primary settling area, with towns like Americana emerging as hubs for these expatriate communities.
Agricultural Practices and Labor
The Confederados did not attempt to re-establish slavery in their new country. It’s important to understand the context of their relocation: they moved to Brazil partly because slavery was still legal there at the time, and Brazil’s government was offering incentives for immigration to develop its agriculture sector.
However, the Confederados’ approach to labor in Brazil was different from the plantation system they had left behind in the U.S. They typically engaged in small-scale agriculture and did not establish large plantations akin to those in the Southern United States. Many used their agricultural expertise to grow crops like cotton and sugar, but they did so on a smaller scale and often with the help of paid labor.
By the time the Confederados started establishing themselves in Brazil, the country was moving towards the abolition of slavery. Brazil eventually abolished slavery in 1888 with the “Lei Áurea” (Golden Law), which was several years after the majority of the Confederados had arrived. There’s no significant historical evidence to suggest that the Confederados played a direct role in trying to maintain or expand the institution of slavery in Brazil.
Their migration was more about seeking a place where they could maintain their cultural identity and way of life, which was deeply connected to the antebellum South, rather than a concerted effort to perpetuate slavery. Over time, the Confederados integrated into Brazilian society and adapted to its changing norms, including the end of slavery.
Cultural Integration and Legacy
The Confederados maintained many aspects of their Southern culture, including language, religion, and social customs. They established English-speaking communities, built Protestant churches, and continued to observe traditions like Confederate Memorial Day. Over time, they integrated into Brazilian society through intermarriage and cultural exchange.
Reflection on Slavery and Heritage
The Confederados’ story is complex, especially considering their original motives for migration and the legacy of slavery. While they did not attempt to perpetuate slavery in Brazil, their initial attraction to the country was partly due to its existence there. Today, their descendants grapple with this history, balancing the celebration of their cultural heritage with the recognition of its controversial aspects.
Theodore Lee is the editor of Caveman Circus. He strives for self-improvement in all areas of his life, except his candy consumption, where he remains a champion gummy worm enthusiast. When not writing about mindfulness or living in integrity, you can find him hiding giant bags of sour patch kids under the bed.