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Technology and Society: The Impact of Gold Mining on the Institution of Slavery in Portuguese America

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  • Russell-Wood, A. J. R.

Abstract

This article examines the impact of gold mining on slavery in colonial Brazil. Crown policies, economic pressures, and gold's role as an instrument for social mobility had demographic repercussions—affecting sexual imbalance, the ratio of slaves to freedmen, the availability and distribution of labor. Economic factors determined ethnic origins, slave trade patterns, and the assimilative capability of blacks as illustrated by the slave family. Differences between slavery in mining and plantation societies are emphasized. The transfer of technical skills is signalled as a major African contribution to the New World. The article concludes by assessing the psychological and administrative impact of a black majority.

Suggested Citation

  • Russell-Wood, A. J. R., 1977. "Technology and Society: The Impact of Gold Mining on the Institution of Slavery in Portuguese America," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 37(1), pages 59-83, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jechis:v:37:y:1977:i:01:p:59-83_09
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    Cited by:

    1. Naritomi, Joana & Soares, Rodrigo R. & Assunção, Juliano J., 2012. "Institutional Development and Colonial Heritage within Brazil," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 72(2), pages 393-422, May.
    2. Joana Naritomi & Rodrigo R. Soares & Juliano J. Assunção, 2007. "Rent Seeking and the Unveiling of 'De Facto' Institutions: Development and Colonial Heritage within Brazil," NBER Working Papers 13545, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.

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