Community Research: The War of Canudos
Conceptual Problem Revised:
I am researching into the history of the War of Canudos because this is an epic
example of governmental oppression seen similarly throughout the world which can
destroy communities both small and large.
Background:
The War of Canudos occurred in the late 19th Century as a kind of religious
cleansing in Northeastern Brazil. When the Monarchy of this nation was replaced
after the Proclamation of Republic in 1889, Many imperialist land owners were
deprived of their possessions, and revolted against the new order. Antonio
Conselheiro, a self-proclaimed prophet, untied more than 35,000 citizens in what
is now the state of Pernambuco to create a self-contained community with
Millennialism as its dogma. As their ideas spread and their numbers grew, the
fledgling Brazilian government began to see a threat to their continuance, and
after repeated attempts, wiped out the colony of Canudos in one final massacre.
The fall of this community is extremely controversial due to the questions that
arise as to who was right? Were the citizens of Canudos even dangerous? Or did
they just oppose the views of the current government? Did the fall of this
community benefit the greater nation? And is the sacrifice of one community for
another an ethical success? These are the questions to be discussed in my final
paper.
Personal Attachment:
I had the privilege to live in both Bahia and Pernambuco, Brazil for 2 years and
learned how this rebellion is a huge part of their national history. It serves
as a remembrance for civil and human rights movements much like the story of
Rodney King does in the United States today. I saw this as a perfect example of
the fall of community, and decided to further research the topic.