Request for texts for thematic dossier

Proposers:

• Kelly Eleutério Machado Oliveira (UFOP);
• Jonas Moreira Vargas (UFPEL);
• Pérola Maria Goldfeder Borges de Castro (UNIFESP)

 

The 19th century was marked by an intensification of human, communicational, and material flows that had long characterized the dynamics of capital. These movements became more intense and complex in wartime contexts, and the century under consideration was particularly rich in this respect, especially with regard to the Cisplatine War, whose bicentennial is being commemorated in the current year of 2025. In light of the current relevance of this topic in South American historiography, this dossier aims to bring together scholars from various national and international institutions with the goal of discussing: 1) civil wars, in cases where the fighting (and its associated demographic, informational, and material flows) takes place within the borders of the nation-state and involves groups from the same nationality, even if they do not share ethnic, social, and/or legal status; and 2) international conflicts, distinguished by disputes between states, considering issues of sovereignty and diplomatic relations.

 

Contributors will examine the materiality of the flows that characterized the wartime contexts under discussion. In addressing human displacement, the focus will be on the movement of free workers, enslaved individuals, refugees, exiles, etc., and the institutional mechanisms behind these movements—such as subsidized emigration companies, lodging services, and financial, medical, and educational support systems. Regarding communications, contributors are expected to consider not only domestic tariff and regulatory arrangements but also the bilateral agreements to which the country was subject, and the impact of both civil and international wars on these two complementary levels of postal flow organization. It is also important to note that, by the mid-19th century, communications underwent a progressive process of "postal globalization" (Laborie, 2017), which culminated in the founding of the Universal Postal Union in 1874. Finally, the dossier will also highlight material provisions related to regional and/or international markets for food, military equipment, capital/credit, and other resources, which were often positively impacted by war.

Proposed submission of articles to the journal: May 1, 2026.

Submission of articles to the journal system: https://periodicos.unifesp.br/index.php/alm/about/submissions