Overcoming the Atlantic and Rising Socially: the Minho People in Bahia (17th Century)

In this paper we analyse the trajectory of men who left Ponte de Lima, in the north of Portugal, and headed for Bahia, the capital of the South American colony, crossing and making a life on the other side of the Atlantic, manuscript sources from the local Misericordia archive, which we have analysed qualitatively. With very similar life journeys, although with several differences, these men achieved what they wanted, leading a path of social ascent, made up of work and professional networks and trust. Once they had crossed the Atlantic and achieved success, they planned to distribute their wealth distribution of their wealth, benefiting family, friends and the poor.