Independence of Paraguay

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

The Chaco War

The Chaco War (1932-1935) was Paraguay’s second and last war to date

Paraguay’s second war was The Chaco War and it was fought against Bolivia. There had been aggressions between them prior to the war, as Bolivia wanted to expand (through the Chaco Boreal region that both countries share).

The war took a heavy toll on both sides with both sides losing 100,000 men. Bolivian forces made some advances at first but were stopped and pushed back. Then Paraguayan forces started advancing into Bolivia even though they were outnumbered.

Through the meditation of other countries a cease-fire was agreed on June 12, 1935. A treaty signed in 1938 awarded Paraguay with three-quarters of the Chaco Boreal.

More Sources:

Image taken from:

Long article on the war:

Another long article on the war:

Pictures and articles on the war:

CIA facts on Paraguay: