Imperial nostalgia: South America in Spanish military and scientific expeditions travel writings (1862-1867)

• Grant number: 12/07605-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2012
• End date: February 28, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - History - History of America
• Principal Investigator: Mary Anne Junqueira
• Grantee: Gabriel Passetti
• Host Institution: Instituto de Relações Internacionais (IRI). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research focuses on five travel writing organized by scientists and officers that set sail from Spain - in Royal Navy ships - to South America from 1862 to 1867. The objective is to examine the images detailed by Spaniards about South Americans and to verify whether this statements informed decisions and propelled forces in action. Concerned with its international position and moved by some kind of an imperial nostalgia, the Spanish government organized a four ships expedition in order to proceed with hydrographic, scientific and diplomatic work and express its intention to reach another international status. In spite of the pacific purpose, the Spaniards tensioned the international relations on the Pacific South-America shores and a war was declared by Chile, Peru, Equator and Bolivia against Spain. In reaction, twelve new Spanish battleships set sail to region in conflict. This research trails through the fields of History and International Relations and at the interface between cultural and political approach.