The first permanent Spanish settlement in Paraguay was Asuncion (which was founded in 1537). Paraguay was dominated by the Jesuits who in their way tried to protect the indigenous people from Spanish brutality. They put the natives to work and converted them. This went on for about the next two hundred years after Asuncion was founded.
In 1776 Buenos Aires became independent and wanted Paraguay to be part of its kingdom. In 1810 Argentina asked Paraguay to declare independence alongside them but to also let them lead. Paraguay rejected Argentinian leadership.
After Paraguay declared independence (but did not accept being ruled by Argentina) Argentina sent an expedition to defeat and tame the Paraguayans. This expedition was decisively defeated.
In 1811 the last royal governors of Paraguay were ejected and Paraguay became a fully independent country. The Paraguayan Independence Day is August 15, 1811.
More sources:
Very Useful History of Paraguay Article
Brief history of South America shown on a Map
No comments:
Post a Comment