War of the Mascates

Brazilian history

Also known as: Peddlers’ War

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June 30, 2026

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The War of the Mascates, also known as the Mascates War, occurred in Recife, Brazil, in 1710. This conflict arose between the wealthy landowners of Olinda and the small tradesmen of Recife. The tradesmen, referred to as mascates (peddlers), sought to establish their own municipality, which led to a revolt against the Olinda magnates.1

It is important to distinguish this from the War of the Emboabas (1708-1709) in Minas Gerais, which was a conflict between original settlers from São Paulo and newer European immigrants over gold mines.2

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Recife
…what is now called the War of the Mascates (i.e., peddlers) because the small tradesmen of Recife tried to organize a municipality of their own. In 1827 Recife became the official capital of the province of Pernambuco.
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…what is now called the War of the Mascates (i.e., peddlers) because the small tradesmen of Recife tried to organize a municipality of their own. In 1827 Recife became the official capital of the province of Pernambuco.
Read More