Vigorous Core of Our Nationality, The

(at)font-face ( font-family: "Cambria"; )(at)font-face ( font-family: "Palatino"; )p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal ( margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; )div.Section1 ( page: Section1; ) Explores conceptualizations of regional identity and a distinct population group known as nordestinos in northeastern Brazil during a crucial historical period. Beginning with the abolition of slavery and ending with the demise of the Estado Novo under Getulio Vargas, Stanley E. Blake offers original perspectives on the paradoxical concept of the "nordestino" and the importance of these debates to the process of state and nation building.