Two exhibitions, two objectives.

The participation of the Empire of Brazil in the exhibitions in Philadelphia (1876) and Buenos Aires (1882)

Abstract

Main export item in much of the 19th century, coffee also played an important role in defining the participation of the Empire of Brazil in the great meetings that took place during the period. In order to expand the sales space of its main commodity, the strategy used was to be present at major events hosted in the main cities in the world. However, the perceived commitment was not the same for all events, which can be seen when relating the Brazilian presence at the 1876 Philadelphia International Exhibition, in comparison with the 1882 Continental Exposition in Buenos Aires. Comparing the expenses involved in sending the delegation, the number of exhibitors and their respective products, it is possible to verify a greater effort for the event in North American lands. The reason for this difference was the level of consumption of Brazilian coffee in the United States and Argentina. If the former accounted for the largest share of imports at the time, the latter was insignificant for our sales. Thus, through the bibliography dedicated to the theme, the catalogs made and the movement in customs, we will show the importance of the product for the generation of revenue, and how it will insert the country in the dynamics of capitalism that was drawn at the end of the 19th century.