THE HETEROGENEOUS PLEBS OF INDEPENDENCE: ARMIES AND REBELLIONS IN CEARÁ (1817-1824)

Abstract This article aims to show how a heterogeneous plebs got involved in the main movements of independence in Ceará. That plebs was composed by indigenous peoples, poor white, black and mixed-race persons, free and enslaved. Observing the participation of these subaltern habitants of the sertões in the armed conflicts, as voluntary or forced soldiers of official or rebel troops, fugitives of recruitments or deserters, allow us articulating common causes by liberty, forging other meanings of independence.