| This dissertation argues that during the nineteenth century, slaves and owners of Santos County (of Southeastern Brazil) had discernable social and economic positions, and those positions were significant for the opportunities available for slaves and for the treatment that they received. Historians have long accepted variance of life conditions and treatment, but have not often directly explored its origins and effects. Different opportunities and treatment affected slaves' ability to form families and communities, avoid sale from those communities, work relatively safe jobs, their crime and punishment, health and chances for recovery from illness, and the likelihood of escaping slavery by manumission or flight. To make this argument, this projects organizes information about slaves and owners in multiple sources organized around the name of the owner and their slaves. Hundreds of slaves and owners were discovered in multiple sources, giving new information for many unanswered questions about slavery in Brazil. |
