The Paraguayan War was a conflict fought between the Empire of Brazil and the Kingdom of Argentina against the Republic of Paraguay as the aggressor.
The Conflict
Prelude
Cisplatine and other regions of Brazil and Argentina rebelled in favor of republicanism, and Paraguay began the war in support. The conflict began after a republican revolution in the Cisplatine region of Brazil was put down by imperial forces. Paraguay advocated for independence and republican rule in the region, but the call was unheeded except by Gran Colombia. Following another republican rebellion, Paraguay declared war on Brazil. Paraguay requested access through Argentina, but King Robert I of Argentina declined, initially wishing to remain neutral in the conflict and focus on their own rebellions. Paraguay disregarded the decision and invaded Argentina believing the young king would not react. Robert instead declared war on Paraguay, and coordinated with Emperor Pedro II of Brazil in military affairs.
Despite the overwhelming size of resources and manpower of the two monarchies, the military strength advantage was with Paraguay. The Republic won the first initial engagements on land. However, the naval powers of Argentina and Brazil blockaded Paraguay's limited access to the sea. Though the tide of the war began to swing in Argentina and Brazil's favor, all nations received heavy losses.
Though it was a landlocked nation, Paraguay maintained a small navy through which it protected its trade interests along the Paraguay River. The small naval force was decisively defeated in the few skirmishes that arose, and Brazil and Argentina successfully blockaded the river.
Paraguay, having the larger military at the start of the war, won many of the first few battles. However, attrition set in quickly as the two monarchies were able to muster reinforcements much quicker than the small republic. With that said, Brazil and Argentina suffered many casualties, causing them to form integrated military units consisting of freed slaves and white Brazilians and Argentines of European descent.
Paraguay was defeated. Republicanism in the area was greatly diminished for some time.
Paraguay's population was severely diminished. It took many decades for the population, particularly the male population, to return back to pre-war numbers.
The conflict assisted in quelling the rivalry between Argentina and Brazil, bringing more cordial diplomatic relations between the two monarchies. A marriage proposal between Pedro's daughter and Robert was initially proposed to make the alliance formal, but was quickly abandoned.
Historical Significance
Brazil enacted desegregated military units in an attempt to replenish losses. As a result, abolitionism among the military increased as white and mixed soldiers became empathetic towards their black and enslaved comrades. This, along with pressure from Haiti and America, is credited with hastening the abolition of slavery in Brazil.
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