Upon becoming the capital, Rio took on the role of the metropolis and lost its status as the leader in colonial claims. The change also increased the level of intervention from Portugal, resulting in less autonomy and in the formation of two cities within a single territory: New Lisbon, the enlightened city, geared toward the new and toward the Atlantic; and Rio de Janeiro, geared toward Guanabara Bay and the backlands, with its colonial traditions.
Count of Cunha, 1st viceroy of Brazil after the transfer of the capital to Rio de Janeiro. Historical Heritage and Documentation Collection of the Navy. Wikimedia Commons
Image description: The image is a painting depicting a male figure. The person is wearing traditional attire with a white shirt and a black cloak. The right hand holds a square object, possibly a book or a piece of paper. The background is dark, highlighting the central figure.This duality meant the division of Rio de Janeiro's society between those who supported the Marquis of Pombal (those who identified with the New Lisbon) and those who stood against him, who identified with Rio de Janeiro.
The 18th century was marked by the expansion of the urban limits, even before the city's transformation into the colony's capital. Distant areas, such as Santa Cruz and Campo Grande, were incorporated into the supply economy circuit (plantations of food crops), especially after the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1759 and the subsequent subdivision of their lands.
Santa Cruz Farm, a property of the Jesuits before their expulsion in 1759.
Image description: This is a black-and-white engraving showing a historic church. The church is centered in the image, with two side towers decorated with crosses. In front of the church is a low building with three doors and windows. On the corner to the left, there is a house with two doors and windows. In the background, we see more distant buildings and some people walking. In the lower right corner, there is an inscription that reads "Lith. Imp. de Rauhburg Rio de Janeiro".
