THE Paraguay War it was a military conflict that took place between 1864 and 1870, taking place in South America and involving only South American countries, although with the support of England to the winners. On the one hand, the triple alliance formed by Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, and on the other, Paraguay.
There are several reasons why the conflict has taken such proportions. Among them, the intention of the Paraguayan dictator Francisco Solano to conquer the Basin region of the Silver, in order to get an outlet to the Atlantic Ocean, facilitating the transport of people and goods.
After long years of conflict, the war came to an end. Paraguay was defeated, however, the winning countries came out with great problems, mainly due to the loans taken out and the death of thousands of soldiers.
The overwhelming majority of the battles were won by the triple alliance and understanding the context of each one of them is essential to contextualize the success of these countries.
Index
- Battle of the Riachuelo
- Battle of Estero Bellaco
- Battle of Tuiuti
- Battle of Avaí
- Battle of Lomas Valentinas
- Battle of Cerro Corá
Battle of the Riachuelo
Despite being one of the first, it is considered one of the most important. The Battle of Riachuelo took place on June 11, 1865 and was named for the place where it was fought, on the banks of the Riachuelo River, Province of Corrientes, Argentina.
Regarding the number of soldiers, the clash took place under practically equal conditions. For the 2,970 Paraguayan soldiers, there were 2,460 Brazilian soldiers. The first had eight ships, while the second had one more.
Thinking of taking advantage of the early morning fog, the Paraguayan fighters planned the attack against Brazil. However, a delay in navigations caused them to be delayed, losing the climatic advantage. Thus, the Brazilians came out winners, adding a victory for the triple alliance.
Battle of Estero Bellaco
Once again, the triple alliance won a conflict during the Paraguayan War. This time, at the Battle of Estero Bellaco, on May 2, 1866. On that occasion, more than six thousand Paraguayan soldiers faced five infantry battalions and a triple alliance artillery battery, which totaled approximately eight thousand men.
It took place in Ñeembucú, Paraguay, after a surprise attack by Paraguayan general José Eduvigis Díaz on a triple alliance camp. At first, the Paraguayans came out ahead because of the element of surprise. However, due to the greater number of the opposing force, the dispute ended up turning in favor of the allies.
Battle of Tuiuti
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Known for having been one of the bloodiest battles of the Paraguay War, the Battle of Tuiuti took place on May 24, 1866, on the shores of Lake Tuiuti, in Paraguay, which is why it took its name.
It is estimated that approximately 55,000 men took part in the battle. After more than 6 hours of confrontation, the triple alliance won again. In this sense, it is believed that the battle was decisive for the victory of the allied countries, since that, in addition to consolidating sovereignty, it gave impetus to Brazilian, Uruguayan and Argentines.
Battle of Avaí
This conflict took place in the context of "december” a set of military operations that took place during the Paraguayan War, specifically in December 1868. The Battle of Avaí (or Avahy) was fought on the night of December 11 of that year.
On the night of the 10th, around 19,000 Brazilian soldiers were camped in Paraguayan territory. At dawn, the Marquis de Caxias ordered them to proceed to the city of Villeta. Along the way they encountered the opposing troops on the bridge south of the Avaí creek, near Asunción.
Once again the triple alliance won. Of the 5,000 men in the Paraguayan troop, only 200 survived, while of the 18,900 Brazilians, only 297 lost their lives.
Battle of Lomas Valentinas
Another conflict of December was the Battle of Lomas Valentinas. It took place between December 21 and 27, 1968, in Itá Ybaté, also in Paraguay. The Marquis de Caxias left the city of Villeta at dawn on the 21st, ready to invade the Lomas Valentinas fortification at midday.
Likewise, on the 22nd, the Uruguayan and Argentine troops marched towards Lomas. The Paraguayan army was personally led by the dictator Francisco Solano, but still, it was once again defeated, despite not having surrendered.
Battle of Cerro Corá
The fight that put an end to the Paraguayan War took place on March 1, 1870, in Cerro Corá, Paraguayan territory, and for this reason, it took the name Battle of Cerro Corá. It also marked the end of Francisco Solano López's dictatorial government, following his refusal to surrender.
While 450 López soldiers took part in the conflict, the allied countries had more than 4,500 fighters. On that occasion, the dictator of Paraguay, in addition to being hit by a spear, ended up being shot. He did not resist his injuries and died, as did his own son and many of his soldiers.
Peace was established on April 8, 1870, and on February 9, 1872, the Definitive Treaty of Peace and Perpetual Friendship between the Empire of Brazil and the Republic of Paraguay was signed.
During the entire Paraguayan War, approximately 75% of the Paraguayan population lost their lives as a result of conflicts, disease and hunger. On the Allied side, more than 50,000 Brazilian soldiers lost their lives in combat.
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