Entre a Liberdade e o Direito de Propriedade

A reforma do Ventre Livre no Conselho de Estado

Abstract

This paper seeks to analyze the political debate around the Free Womb Law in the scope of Council of State, in the historical context of the 1860s. Understood from an intra-elite conflict, the majority of the collegiate was favorable to the reform, despite the resistance of sectors identified with the interests of slave owners. In this sense, the Emperor's pro-reform position was an important factor in the approval of this project. The members of Council of State defended the adoption of gradual measures on abolition, without radicalism and that would take into account the maintenance of public order and property rights. The project prepared by Council of State constituted the basis of Free Womb Law, except for the right of indemnity gave to the slave owners, presented in the final text.

Keywords: Council of State, Free Womb Law, Abolitionism.