Pombal and the Jews: Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo's Views on Judaism, Jews, and New Christians

This article analyzes the views of Sebastiao Jose de Carvalho e Melo regarding Jews and New Christians based on his experience as an envoy extraordinary at the British court (1738-1744), where he came into contact with members of the Jewish community in London. It also examines the evolution of Carvalho's perspectives over time, taking into consideration his account of the Jewish intervention in the Brazilian diamond trade, written in 1777. Finally, the article considers whether Carvalho's understanding of the Jewish and New Christian questions influenced the law that abolished the distinction between New and Old Christians in 1773.