vernment continued to grow during the 1850s and 1860s, as the state managed the economy and fed the governmentÆs growing appetite with a growing list of taxes. Economic prosperity led to stability. The Liberals and Conservatives waged peaceful rhetorical ôdebates,ö with the party out of power attacking the one in power. In reality, there was little difference between the parties, but at least peace prevailed. ôIn short, discussion replaced violenceö (Burns, 1980, pp. 212-19).
Government, however, remained the province of wealthy landowners. BrazilÆs poor, the vast majority of the population, enjoyed few political rights (in 1881, only 142,000 of BrazilÆs 15 million people could vote), but supported Pedro IIÆs government so long as the economy stayed strong. Moreover, BrazilÆs size and the remoteness of many areas limited central control and kept discontent at bay. Pedro II maintained control over the provinces by appointing loyal administrators and representatives (Burns, 1980, p. 219-224).
This loose constitutional monarchy cruised until 18
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