Street Time in Late Imperial São Paulo: A History of the Present

Introduction

In her book, Street Time in Late Imperial São Paulo: A History of the Present, Fraya Frehse offers a rich and nuanced account of the history of São Paulo, Brazil, from the late 19th century to the present. Frehse argues that São Paulo's development has been shaped by a series of "street times," or periods of intense social and political change. These street times have been characterized by the emergence of new social movements, the transformation of urban space, and the reconfiguration of power relations.

The Coffee Economy and the Rise of São Paulo

In the late 19th century, São Paulo was a small town of about 20,000 people. However, the city's fortunes changed dramatically with the rise of the coffee economy. Coffee was a major cash crop in Brazil, and São Paulo was ideally situated to serve as a hub for the coffee trade. The city's population exploded, and it soon became one of the largest cities in Brazil.

The coffee economy brought great wealth to São Paulo, but it also created a number of social problems. The city was plagued by poverty, crime, and disease. The working conditions on the coffee plantations were often deplorable, and many workers were forced to live in slums.

The First Street Time: The Revolt of 1917

In 1917, São Paulo was rocked by a major revolt. The revolt was sparked by a number of factors, including the high cost of living, the poor working conditions, and the government's repression of political dissent. The revolt was brutally suppressed, but it left a lasting legacy of social unrest.

The Second Street Time: The Workers' Movement

In the 1920s and 1930s, São Paulo's working class began to organize itself into a powerful social movement. The workers' movement was led by a number of charismatic leaders, including Luís Carlos Prestes and Olga Benário. The movement won a number of important victories, including the right to organize unions and the establishment of a minimum wage.

The Third Street Time: The Military Dictatorship

In 1964, a military coup d'état overthrew the democratically elected government of João Goulart. The military dictatorship that followed lasted for 21 years. The dictatorship was a time of great repression and violence. Thousands of people were arrested, tortured, and killed. The dictatorship also implemented a number of economic policies that led to widespread poverty and inequality.

The Fourth Street Time: The Return to Democracy

In 1985, the military dictatorship finally came to an end. Brazil returned to democracy, and São Paulo once again became a center of political and social activism. The city has undergone a number of positive changes in recent years, including a reduction in poverty and crime, and an improvement in the quality of life.

Conclusion

Street Time in Late Imperial São Paulo is a fascinating and important book that offers a unique perspective on the history of one of the world's most dynamic cities. Frehse's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Brazil, Latin America, or urban studies.

Why You Should Buy This Book

Street Time in Late Imperial São Paulo is a well-written and engaging book that is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers. The book is full of fascinating stories and insights, and it offers a unique perspective on the history of São Paulo. If you are interested in learning more about Brazil, Latin America, or urban studies, then I highly recommend that you buy this book.