The coffee economy in the vale do Paraiba Paulista in Old Republic: An assessment [A economia cafeeira no vale do Paraíba paulista na República velha: Uma avaliação]

Abstract

The paper presents, based on an interpretation literature and documental research, how the policy of enhancing the coffee production kept a capital flow to the region, enough to maintain the economic activities of a physical structure and accumulated capital that were directed to the manufacturing and industrial activities, specialy the textile sector. The proximity of the two main urban centres of the country, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the transport means, the availability of workforce were other factors that helped to develop the industrialization of the Vale do Paraíba Paulista, assisting in the transition of coffee economy for the urban-industrial economy.