Jacob Rheingantz e a Colônia de São Lourenço: da desconstrução de um mito à reconstrução de uma história

Abstract

The German colonization in the Mountain Chain of Tapes, which began in 1858, from the society between Jacob Rheingantz and José Antônio de Oliveira Guimarães, did not occur in a pacific, patriarchal and ideal way. This premise goes against the little critic report of the official History of São Lourenço do Sul on the colonization of the region, especially regarding the representation about Jacob Rheingantz. Through the recovery of non-official memories as well as documents that have been forgotten, this dissertation brings to light facts erased from History, in order for a hero to be created. The importance of the citizen, supported by writers and the established local power through a lot of homage have made Rheingantz into a behavior-maker model. It is possible to observe, both through the on purpose forgetfulness and unconditional honoring, an intention of manipulation of the present and maintenance of the status quo. The population, influenced by a lot of information which testify the importance of the myt