«Alborotada y puesta en bandos»: facciones y poder informal en Salvador de Bahía durante la incorporación de Brasil a la Monarquía Hispánica (1581-1583)

The study of factions in the colonial societies of the Americas during the colonial period has been essential for understanding the dynamics of local power. These factions, organized into groups of power or influence, competed for political and economic control of cities and regions, influencing the relationship between local and central power. This study examines how factions in Salvador de Bahía, the capital of the State of Brazil, adapted to the new reality imposed by the so-called «Iberian Union», confronting the globalizing interests of the Hispanic Monarchy. It analyzes both the ability of these factions to maintain and strengthen their influence at the local level and their ability to resist and negotiate with colonial authorities. Additionally, it examines how these power dynamics influenced the socio-economic and political structure of the region, thus providing a more comprehensive understanding of the articulation of local power in 17th-century Brazil.