GOVERNANCE IN COLONIAL MARANHÃO

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The conquest and occupation of the Far North of America in the 17th century and the creation of the State of Maranhão and Grão-Pará, motivated by the French invasion in São Luís, boosted the relocation of the judicial and political-administrative apparatus in the region. Although the creation of the State guaranteed a political unity to the territory, it was not enough to eliminate conflicts and invasion attempts in the region. The 16th century Maranhão was characterized by negotiations established between the local power center and the metropolis, aiming on one side (the Crown) the defense of the newly conquered region, and on the other side (royal agents and officers) the ascension and the bounties received for services rendered. These two situations were several times among the main claims and the royal concessions to agents - governors, ombudsmen, judges, chamberlains, colonists, etc. Thus, this paper aims to present elements and arguments that can provide necessary substrates to understand the governance in the State of Maranhão and Grão-Pará in the seventeenth century.