The circle of the great: a study on politics, elites and networks inthe second Empire enlightened by the life of Viscount of Cruzeiro(1854-1889)

Abstract

This study intends to investigate the importance and the dynamics of the networks of power existing among the elites throughout Brazilian Empire. It focus on the State Council (1842-1889), understood as a locus for negotiation and action of the political and social networks, which functioned as a mediator in the relationship of the Crownand the existing political and economical groups. The text counselor Viscount of Cruzeiro (1830-1892), investigating his strategies, political practices and economic mentality within a broad net of negotiations and alliances. It intends to demonstrate how practices aiming at the reconstitution of nets of clients and kinship, along with the evaluation of an individual life story, can bring up new elements to the analysis of the very dynamics of the politics in the period.