“Deus é grande, mas o mato é ainda maior”: o recrutamento militar no Brasil imperial

This article will analyze the tensions surrounding military service in Minas Gerais, especially during the Paraguayan War (1864-1870). Thereupon it will also examine the participation of the National Guard in the Empire’s military effort, especially in the province of Minas, that would have to provide a contingent of six thousand militia for the conflict with Paraguay, to the desperation of the provincial authorities.This article will analyze the tensions surrounding military service in Minas Gerais, especially during the Paraguayan War (1864-1870). Thereupon it will also examine the participation of the National Guard in the Empire’s military effort, especially in the province of Minas, that would have to provide a contingent of six thousand militia for the conflict with Paraguay, to the desperation of the provincial authorities.Este artigo pretende analisar as tensões que envolviam a prestação militar em Minas Gerais, principalmente durante a Guerra do Paraguai (1864-1870). Desta feita, será também analisada a participação da Guarda Nacional no esforço militar do Império, especialmente na província mineira, que deveria fornecer o contingente de seis mil milicianos para o conflito com o Paraguai, para desespero das autoridades provinciais competentes