The Paraguayan force heading southward was destroyed at Uruguaiana, in Brazil, and a strike into northeastern Argentina resulted in heavy Paraguayan casualties and the virtual destruction of López’s fleet in 1865. War of the Triple Alliance, also called Paraguayan War, Spanish Guerra de la Triple Alianza, Portuguese Guerra da Tríplice Aliança, (1864/65–70), the bloodiest conflict in Latin American history, fought between Paraguay and the allied countries of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Get kids back-to-school ready with Expedition: Learn! The war was a real revolution for the armies of South America, and the first truly modern conflict of the continent.

The Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, was the largest and most important military conflict in the history of South America, after the Wars of Independence, and its only true 'continental' war. The Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance and the Great War in Paraguayball, was a South American war fought from 1864 to 1870 between Paraguayball and the Triple Alliance of Argentinaball, the Brazilian Empireball, and Uruguayball. Fierce battles were fought; the most notable, won by the Paraguayans at Curupayty in September 1866, inhibited any allied offensive for nearly a year. In 1887 Paraguay’s two major political parties, the Liberal Party and the National Republican Association (Asociación Nacional Republicana; ANR), generally known as the Colorado Party, were born. The war left Paraguay utterly prostrate; its prewar population of approximately 525,000 was reduced to about 221,000 in 1871, of which only about 28,000 were men. In November he ordered the capture of a Brazilian war steamer and sent units of his army and navy north to invade the Mato Grosso Plateau, simultaneously preparing a larger army corps to strike south to destroy the Brazilian army in Uruguay. They both demanded a large indemnity (which was never paid) and occupied Paraguay until 1876. Only the mutual jealousies of Brazil and Argentina prevented the country from losing much of its territory. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. This shopping feature will continue to load items when the Enter key is pressed. During the war the Paraguayans suffered not only from the enemy but also from malnutrition, disease, and the domination of López, who tortured and killed countless numbers. This title covers the whole span of the war, from when the early days the conflict primarily involved small columns of a few thousand men seeking each other out in rugged and sparsely inhabited territory, through to the later Napoleonic-style positional battles fought at points of strategic importance. Eusebio Ayala gave a military carte blanche to Gen. José Félix Estigarribia, who gradually pushed the Bolivians back until they were almost entirely ejected from the Chaco. He was replaced by Gen. Higinio Morínigo, a harsh opportunist, who immediately persecuted the Liberals and rewarded the Colorados. Perhaps by that point unhinged, he ordered the executions of hundreds of people, including his own two brothers, two brothers-in-law, and scores of his officers. Armies of the War of the Triple Alliance 1864–70: Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay & Argentina (Men-at-Arms), Petsamo and Kirkenes 1944: The Soviet offensive in the Northern Arctic (Campaign), The Road to Armageddon: Paraguay Versus the Triple Alliance, 1866-70 (Latin American & Caribbean Studies), Ia Drang 1965: The Struggle for Vietnam’s Pleiku Province (Campaign), The Paraguayan War: Causes and Early Conduct, 2nd Edition, Constantinople AD 717–18: The Crucible of History (Campaign), Java Sea 1942: Japan's conquest of the Netherlands East Indies (Campaign), The Glorious First of June 1794 (Campaign), The Naval Siege of Japan 1945: War Plan Orange triumphant (Campaign). Francisco Solano López in 1862 was the inexperienced spoiled son of an iron-willed dictator. Morínigo was deposed by the Colorados themselves in 1948. Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. There was a problem loading your book clubs. López’s action—following his buildup of a 50,000-man army, then the strongest in Latin America—was viewed by many as aggression for self- and national aggrandizement; but, as the war wore on, many Argentines and others saw the conflict as Mitre’s war of conquest. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox.

The Paraguayan people had been fanatically committed to López and the war effort, and as a result they fought to the point of dissolution. The Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, was the largest and most important military conflict in the history of South America, after the Wars of Independence, and its only true “continental” war. On September 7, 1940, before he could actually implement a new constitution that gave him great authoritarian powers, Estigarribia was killed in an air crash. Finally, on March 1, 1870, his last camp was attacked at Cerro Corá by Brazilian cavalry, and López died in combat. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. He overestimated the military strength of his country and felt that Paraguay should have a larger voice in the affairs of the region. Media in category "Weapons of the Paraguayan War" The following 4 files are in this category, out of 4 total. A revolt of Liberals and other groups in 1947 caused a civil war that again devastated the country. Canhão El Cristiano.jpg 4,000 × 3,000; 1.41 MB. The Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, was the largest and most important military conflict in the history of South America, after the Wars of Independence, and its only true “continental” war. When the army of occupation was removed in 1876, it left a crowd of Paraguayan politicians noted for their corruption and ambition. His main field of research is the military of 19th-century Latin America, but his interests range from the Ancient world to modern post-colonial conflicts. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. The ensuing conflict became the worst in South American history. The Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, was the largest and most important military conflict in the history of South America, after the Wars of Independence, and its only true 'continental' war. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Please try again.