As Trincheiras da Fazenda São Lourenço: Trabalhadores Rurais e Conflitos por terra na Baixada Fluminense (1950-1964)

Abstract

The research aims to analyze the struggles for land in the Baixada Fluminense region between 1950 and 1964. More specifically, it aims to study the armed conflicts between squatters and land grabbers that occurred at Fazenda São Lourenço, located in the municipality of Duque de Caxias. Region occupied by farmers since the beginning of the 20th century, which during the 1950s began to suffer numerous eviction actions, until August 1961, when in yet another eviction action, a shootout occurred between the squatters and the police force. in charge of expelling the workers. After what happened, and the farmers' demonstrations of remaining in resistance, the government of the state of Rio de Janeiro decreed for the first time the expropriation of the farm, for the benefit of the squatters. The research starts from the process of formation of the Brazilian territory, with a slave and landownership characteristic, which resulted in the great concentration of land, also seeking to establish relationships between political democratization and the democratization of land. Through the struggle to stay on the land and for better production conditions, rural workers developed their political practice. They organized themselves, creating groups, through associations, federations, unions and leagues, presenting themselves in the public debate on the rumors of agrarian reform and national development.