ABSTRACT
In order to understand the Brazilian Economy in the Nineteenth century, it is important to study Maua's business role and the social organisation at that time. The article opens up relevant questions in respect to Brazil's business culture which helps to understand the growth and the fall of Maua's business activities. The understanding about the reasons that lead Maua's business to unfold in the way it did is more important than Maua's own image, his personal vicissitudes and difficulties. In other words, the existent elements in the society, at that time, which provoke these problems can persist in nowadays society. Finally, the article aims to contribute to comprehend the business phenomena, the role of both the entrepreneurs in society and the role of the private initiative. These themes are particularly useful as Brazil is creating regulatory agencies to control sectors of the economic activity.
KEYWORDS:
Business culture; business history; economic history; entrepreneurism; entrepreneur capability