Abstract
This essay refers to the relationship between the national State building process in Brazil, from 1847 to 1889, and the formation of the planter class in the Basin of the Paraíba do Sul river. Gramscian categories, such as intellectuals, national class and hegemony, will be used to perform the analysis. The Brazilian historical experience will also be considered in light of other national experiences, notably the Italian State building process.
Keywords:
Brazilian Empire; Slavery; National State; Nineteenth century