Everything Everywhere Daily The Paraguayan War
Oct 9, 2024
In the 1860s, Paraguay faced off against an alliance of Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil in a brutal conflict known for its devastating battles. The war quickly escalated from conventional fighting to guerrilla tactics, resulting in widespread famine and disease. Political dynamics and rising tensions among the nations fueled this catastrophic event. The aftermath saw staggering loss of life and significant demographic shifts, forever altering power structures in South America and paving the way for Brazil's rise.
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Paraguay's Authoritarian Roots
- Paraguay was ruled by harsh dictators who set a precedent for authoritarianism in Latin America.
- José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia's rule created the early model for Latin American dictatorships.
Paraguay’s Army: Big but Weak
- Paraguay's army was large relative to its small population but poorly equipped and trained.
- Quantity could not compensate for the army's poor weapons, training, and resources.
Uruguay's Role Sparked War
- Instability in Uruguay triggered the war as Brazil supported one faction and Paraguay the other.
- Paraguay's invasion of Brazil and Argentina escalated the conflict into a regional war.