Luxembourgish Immigration in Santa Catarina (1861-1865)

considerations, motivations and context

Abstract

This article investigates the arrival of immigrants from Luxembourg to the Brazilian province of Santa Catarina between 1861 and 1865. It builds a database from both Santa Catarina and Luxembourgish sources, also incorporating information from newspapers published in the Grand Duchy. The study identifies push factors such as political instability, economic crisis, and rural indebtedness; and pull factors like the Brazilian government's colonization project and the context of the American Civil War. Through data cross-referencing, immigrant profiles, routes, and destinations are mapped. The article also offers a critical reflection on the term “Luxembourgish immigration” and its contemporary identity and political implications.