A Revolução Farroupilha em “Santa Maria da Bocca do Monte” (1835-1845): atuação do Tenente-Coronel José Alves Valença

Abstract

The Farroupilha Revolution (1835-1845) is a subject that generates a large number of historiographical studies. However, bibliographical research on the subject reveals a gap in studies on the central region of the Province of São Pedro do Rio Grande do Sul, precisely the parish of Santa Maria da Bocca do Monte, then a district of the town of São João da Cachoeira. The aim of this investigation is to highlight Santa Maria participation in the Farroupilha Revolution (1835-1845), focusing on the actions of Lieutenant-Colonel José Alves Valença, an influential figure in the local and regional elite. Valença's role will demonstrate the participation of the local elite, made up of landowners, soldiers, merchants, European immigrants and priests, as well as the important presence of social and family networks. From this perspective, the aim is to understand how Santa Maria experienced the period of conflict and also to understand its connection with the Farroupilha. My interest in this subject arose from my activities as a PROBIC/FAPERGS/UFSM scientific initiation fellow, in the research project Platine History: Borders, Migrations, Societies and Power, where I read the book "Historical Chronology of Santa Maria and the Extinct Municipality of São Martinho 1787-1930", written by Romeu Beltrão in 1958, where observed a superficial approach to the period of the Farroupilha Revolution. With this in mind, a bibliographical survey was carried out to gather evidence about the Farrapos War in Santa Maria, so that from documentary and bibliographical research it would be possible to understand the construction of the historical narrative of the Farroupilha Revolution in Santa Maria and understand the role of the local elite in the conflict and in the Rio-Grandense Republic. In this way, we can contribute to a broader understanding of this period in history, presenting the role of the Santa Maria region.