São Paulo Agriculture in the Nineteenth Century

Abstract

Describes the origin, growth and eventual domination of the coffee economy in the state, and the role coffee production played in the entire paulista economy. How coffee was grown, the nature of the coffee plantations, their changing labor force from slave to free labor are the themes analyzed. The impact of the railroad construction in the second half of the nineteenth century is examined and its role in creating a coherent internal market and promoting foreign trade. Finally the place of São Paulo coffee production on the international market is examined.