The dynamics of exploration of Portuguese colonization in Brazil took on different forms and intensities along the trajectory of Brazil Colony. The definition of mining activities as the main economic activity of the 17th century gave rise for a system of taxation and inspection practices never before observed in our history colonial.
The region of Minas Gerais, as the largest center of this type of economic exploitation, was also the place conducive to several episodes of indignation and revolt against the massive control of authorities metropolitan areas. The Emboabas War itself, triggered at the beginning of mining activities, foreshadowed that the Portuguese economic interest would be responsible for the non-compliance of some members of society colonial.
Noting the threat of its profits from smuggling and the free exploitation of minerals, Portugal decided to implement a series of taxes to be applied in the Minas Gerais region. In 1719, still seeking to guarantee a large profit margin, the Portuguese instituted the so-called Foundry Houses, which would function as collection and control centers over the wealth extracted from the ground.
Parallel to the taxation of minerals, the formation of several urban centers brought another notable source of income to the metropolis. Thanks to the economic ties established by the colonial pact, the colonists were still obliged to pay the high prices charged under the manufactured goods offered by Portugal. It is through this logic of exploration and control that we understand the outbreak of the Filipe dos Santos Revolt in 1720.
The hostility and distrust installed in the region of the mines made any suspicion of smuggling or evasion trigger the rigid action of the metropolitan troops. During one of these episodes of investigation by the metropolitan forces, a group of miners decided to attack the house of the chief ombudsman, the main judicial authority in the region. Soon after, they headed to Vila do Carmo to put pressure on the region's governor, the Count of Assumar.
The group, led by the drover Filipe dos Santos, demanded the closure of the foundries. Promising to meet the group's demand, the uprising returned to Vila Rica awaiting the governor's actions. However, this served for the Portuguese troops to organize against the rebels. On July 14th, the conflict began, which arrested several participants and condemned Filipe dos Santos to death and dismemberment.
By Rainer Sousa
Master in History
See more!:
Mining Inconfidence
Inconfidência Carioca
Pernambuco Revolution
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiab/revolta-filipe-santos.htm