A Companhia Geral de Comércio de Pernambuco e Paraíba: e os homens de negócio de Pernambuco (1758-1778)

Abstract

This work intends to analyze some aspects of the operation of the General trading Company of Pernambuco and Paraíba (1758-1778) in relation to the dynamics commercial of Pernambuco. A traditional historiography views the companies role as part of the measures to reinforce the colonial pact undertaken by the Marquês of Pombal during the government of D. José I. Knowing that the Board of Directors of the Company in Pernambuco was composed by business men from the captaincy, we attempt to show that the exclusive privilege to trade in these colonies was utilizes by these directors to made their fortunes.