The War of Paraguay

150 years ago the deadliest inter-state war in South American history came to an end—but its root causes took shape long before, and the turbulent peace process to follow was only just beginning.

Also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, the Paraguayan War saw the Empire of Brazil and the Argentine Confederation—rivals for political influence in the Río de la Plata region—allying themselves, along with Uruguay, to fight a war that would last years, and which would decimate the Paraguayan population. The War of Paraguay describes the history of this war through a diplomatic lens, highlighting the entrenched rivalries and impromptu allegiances from which it emerged. The book brings to light private correspondences, parliamentary speeches, personal memoirs, and fiery pamphlets. Its leading characters are not just generals and caudillos, but senators, councilmen, and diplomats, the architects of a never before seen alliance, and the sparring opponents in a contentious peace process which would set the modern borders of the warring nations.

Translated into English for the first time, this edition includes a detailed map of important locations, an introduction to the history of the Río de la Plata region, and dozens of clarifying endnotes.

With the exception of the cover, copyright of the entirety of this publication has been waived by Francis Bass, the translator, in celebration of Public Domain Day 2021.