THE ABOLITIONIST DYNAMICS IN THE FREEMASONRY LODGES OF SÃO PAULO (1850-1888)

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the role of the Freemasonry in the abolitionist process in São Paulo. The masonic protagonism on the emancipationist agenda did not materialize in the city, even though the organization gathered the main names of the local abolitionism. The analysis of the minute books of the America and Piratininga Masonic lodges and other primery sources shows the internal disputes and the fragmentation of the anti-slavery discourse in this sociability space between 1850 the 1888.

Keyword:
Freemasonry; 19th century; abolitionism; São Paulo city