O exército nas fronteiras do império : mobilização militar e defesa da Província de Mato Grosso (1850-1864)

Abstract

This work analyzes the organization, and the performance of the Army force from the 1st Line, to the defense of the province of Mato Grosso, between the military reorganization in 1850 and the beginning of the War of Paraguay in 1864, highlighting the difficulties of mobilizing effective to defend the frontier province. The protection of the province was being performed by individuals considered marginal, criminals and looters, who were recruited and sent to build square. Many of these individuals have tried several strategies to escape from military service, and the desertion a frequent option between them and stimulated by the proximity to the border. This way, the Army in the province of Mato Grosso was insufficient to achieve the defense and meet the military needs of the province, not having undergone significant changes in its organization and in the amount of effective even in these tumultuous times more and face of constant complaints on the part of the presidents of the province and the threat of an invasion by the Republic of Paraguay.