To carry out the pacification and conversion…
1552 CE to 1563 CE
The Jesuits have a major impact on Brazil, despite their small numbers—one hundred and twenty-eight by 1598.
The natives respond to the Jesuits with initial acceptance, then regression, evasion, and enmity.
The objective of the Jesuits is to Europeanize the natives by resettling them in native villages (aldeias).
In a recurring pattern, the first aldeia near Bahia (1552) soon disintegrates as the natives who survive the European-born diseases fade into the interior beyond the Jesuits' reach.
Europeanization is overcome by a sort of Brazilianization, as the Jesuits blend native songs, dances, and language into the liturgy and as the colonists adopt native foods, women, language, and customs.
However, the first bishop of Brazil (1551), Dom Pero Fernandes Sardinha, objects to the Jesuit accommodation with indigenous culture.
He throws the weight of his authority behind subjugation and enslavement.
At issue is the nature of the future of Brazilian society.
The bishop, who has served in Goa and ironically had taught Ignatius Loyola, the Jesuit founder, insists that Europeanization must precede baptism.
He believes Brazil, like India, should have a dual society made up of heathen natives ruled by a small number of Portuguese.
The conflict between the Jesuits and the bishop has far-reaching significance for Brazil's future.
Locations
Groups
Tupinambá
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Brazil, Indigenous people in
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Portuguese people
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French people (Latins)
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Aimoré people
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Christians, Roman Catholic
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France, (Valois) Kingdom of
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Portugal, Avizan (Joannine) Kingdom of
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Portuguese Empire
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Brazil, Colonial
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Jesuits, or Order of the Society of Jesus
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France, (Bourbon) Kingdom of
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