O liberalismo economico na obra de José da Silva Lisboa

This paper aims at analysing the acceptance by Jose da Silva Lisboa of the main tenets of the doctrine of economic liberalism. Special attention is given to his activities and writings between 1804 and 1810, when the influence provided by Adam Smith is particularly relevant. Silva Lisboa has experienced two historical events, which were of an extreme importance for the spread and diffusion of economic doctrines of laissez faire in Brazil: the opening up of Brazilian ports in 1808 and the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce between Portugal and England signed in 1810. The paper discusses the impact of both events on the structure of Portuguese colonial empire.