Blog · 2025-02-03

A short history of Paraguay: Part 1

Paraguay was discovered in 1524 by the Spanish adelantado Alejo Garcia, and the territory immediately became part of the "Giant Province of the Indies." Asuncion was founded on 15 August 1537 by Captain Don Juan de Salazar y Espinosa. Among the notable figures of that era who took part in the discovery of Paraguay and the expeditions that followed were Sebastian Gaboto, Pedro de Mendoza, Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, Juan de Salazar de Espinosa, Juan de Ayolas, Domingo Martinez de Irala and others. They played an important role in establishing forts and towns and set in motion the social formation of the territory in alliance with the indigenous peoples, a process shaped by the military power of the conquerors and the missionary work of the Catholic Church.

The first missionaries belonged to the Order of Saint Francis of Assisi; later, priests of the Jesuit Order arrived. Both groups left a significant cultural legacy in Paraguay.

Spanish rule came to an end in 1811 with the revolution of 14 May, when a group of patriots resolved to found an independent and sovereign state. The new republic acquired constitutional status under the government of Don Carlos Antonio Lopez in 1844, leading it to remarkable economic, technical and social development. During this period, key infrastructure was built: railways, merchant shipping and the telegraph. Grand and beautiful buildings were erected, and a shipyard and the first metallurgical foundry in the Americas were established.

Today, Paraguay is a social state governed by the rule of law under a democratic regime, with power divided among three branches: the executive, the legislative and the judicial.

The country is divided into 17 departments, each administered by a governor and a departmental council, while every district has a local government headed by a municipal mayor (intendente).

Its multicultural character makes Paraguay a unique and distinctive country in constant development. It is home to indigenous peoples from five language families, among whom the Guarani predominate. In addition, numerous immigrants from around the world have added to the Hispano-Guarani heritage, giving the nation's culture extraordinary richness and diversity.

The Napoleonic invasions of Europe opened the way to the independence movements of the Americas. In countries such as Venezuela and Paraguay, the viceroys tried to hold on to power, but during the open town councils (cabildos) the people of these lands pledged their loyalty to King Ferdinand VII. After the collapse of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata, Paraguay was able to withstand the pressure from Buenos Aires and finally secured its independence after 1811.

How long did it take before Paraguay was recognised as an independent nation? And who are its national heroes?

The events leading up to the May Revolution of 1811

The 14th and 15th of May 1811 were the pivotal days of the civil-military uprising in Asuncion. In this conflict, the Spanish governor Bernardo de Velasco was opposed by two allies: Dr Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia and Juan Valeriano de Zeballos. The coalition was formed to safeguard Paraguay's sovereignty in the face of a foreign threat. In addition, the triumvirate immediately convened a congress to design and put in place a new system of government.

The civil-military uprising and the May Revolution

The May Revolution of 14-15 May 1811 was the decisive step on Paraguay's road to independence. Young revolutionaries, many of them outstanding students and members of the elite, played a key role in this historic event. Paraguayans stood bravely against foreign forces, refusing to let them take control of the country.

Among the national heroes (proceres) of the May Revolution stand out names such as Fulgencio and Antonio Tomas Yegros, Vicente Ignacio Iturbe, Mauricio Jose Troche, Pedro Juan Caballero, Juana Maria de Lara, Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia, Mariano Antonio Molas, Fernando de la Mora and Francisco Javier Bogarin.

A military manifesto issued by Pedro Juan Caballero forced governor Bernardo de Velasco to form a revolutionary junta. A week later, he was compelled to give up the governorship. Even so, Paraguay continued to support the monarchy of Ferdinand VII. Awaiting the events that would decide the fate of Europe's monarchies, and amid the surging independence movement across the Americas, Paraguay finally broke away from Spain on 12 October 1813.

The British invasions of the Rio de la Plata

During the Napoleonic invasions of Europe, the Portuguese, the Spanish and the British alike did everything they could to prevent France, under Napoleon Bonaparte, from gaining control of the Americas. As a result, these empires greatly intensified their strategies of conquest and control. The British seized the opportunity to invade the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata, capturing the city of Buenos Aires in June 1806. Overwhelmed by the situation, Viceroy Rafael de Sobremonte fled to Cordoba together with his closest subordinates. By 14 June, an official request had been made for military assistance from Paraguayan troops.

On 4 August, a military expedition led by Jose de Espinola y Pena set out for Buenos Aires. It was made up of 546 soldiers who had been forcibly conscripted. Meanwhile, on 12 August, Santiago de Liniers recaptured Buenos Aires. A second wave of British invasion was expected, as British forces remained on the coast and were planning a renewed assault on the viceregal capital. On 20 January 1807, Viceroy Sobremonte gave battle, but his poorly trained recruits came up against a seasoned British army that showed no mercy. The Paraguayan units were routed completely, and the few survivors barely managed to make their way back to Paraguay.

The causes of Paraguay's independence

Paraguay's independence was not an isolated event in the history of the Americas. On the contrary, it unfolded in an age of profound change and war that left a bloody mark on the region's history. Its causes can therefore be grouped into external and internal factors.

External causes

• The influence of United States independence in 1776. This event had a profound effect on the rest of the Americas, where deep social divisions existed. By contrast, the United States was already regarded as a society founded on equality of rights, including the rights to liberty and property.
• The French Revolution of 1789. It showed that a monarchy could be overthrown. Moreover, the prestige of the monarchy fell sharply and loyalty to it was shaken. After the executions of Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette, a new worldview emerged in Europe, grounded in the principles of "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity," which soon spread to the Americas.
• The Napoleonic invasions of 1808. Although an external cause, this directly affected the social and political order in Paraguay. It was precisely because of these events that in May 1810 an Open Cabildo (open assembly) was convened to decide whether the viceroy would continue to rule or a governing junta loyal to King Ferdinand VII would be formed, even though he was being held captive.

Internal causes

• Paraguayan resentment of the inequality between criollos and white Spaniards.
• State institutions were corrupt, and the image of the monarchy was steadily deteriorating.
• Economic and social marginalisation. This was a further factor that drove Paraguayans to seek independence from Spanish rule.

This spirit led Paraguayans to refuse domination by more powerful nations, such as their neighbours Argentina and Brazil. It was an unequal and bloody struggle, but it was precisely this that saved Paraguay from foreign subjugation.

The Comuneros revolt had led to sanctions that widened the rift between Paraguay and the Spanish authorities. This meant that Paraguay could no longer picture itself under the rule of Argentina. Paraguayan trade also suffered from the high taxes that had to be paid at the Puerto Preciso de Santa Fe.

Ideological currents in Paraguay before independence

Another important cause of Paraguay's independence was the existence of two opposing ideological currents that had spread among the country's various social groups.

The Portenista current

Its chief representative was Dr Pedro Somellera. This movement drew its support mainly from the inhabitants of Asuncion, Yaguaron and Concepcion. Many of them held no high government office but played an important role in commerce and the clergy. This gave them an advantage, as they were closer to the ordinary citizens of Paraguay in that era.

The Espanista current

This movement had the backing of the state institutions and was led by governor Bernardo de Velasco. After the fall of the Viceroyalty of Buenos Aires, he was prepared to accept help from the Portuguese authorities in order to keep his power and defend Espanista ideas.

In defence of Ferdinand VII

Surprising as it may sound, Ferdinand VII enjoyed support in Paraguay, since Paraguayans preferred to remain loyal to the king rather than to an appointed representative of the Spanish crown. For this reason the Provisional Junta, even though it was made up of distinguished Paraguayans, initially sought to preserve its ties to the Spanish dominions.

A few months later, however, the desire for freedom and the yearning for equality prevailed. In 1813, Ferdinand VII was restored as monarch after Napoleon Bonaparte himself recognised him as King of Spain. From that moment, a new chapter began in the history of both Europe and the Americas.

The aftermath of Paraguay's independence

After the Paraguayan people refused to support the viceroy, three battalions tried to restore power to the governor of Paraguay by force. On 14 May 1811 they attempted to compel him to resign, in order to reinstate the viceroy's authority at any cost. The governor held out for several days but, on 9 June, chose to step down to avoid further bloodshed and conflict.

The heroes of Paraguay's independence

Among the heroes of the May Revolution were both men and women who showed courage and intelligence to win Paraguay's independence in 1811.

They included:

• Fulgencio Yegros and Antonio Tomas Yegros, both born in Quiquyo. They were well-known figures in Paraguayan society and grandsons of the interim governor Don Fulgencio de Yegros y Ledesma.
• Mauricio Jose Troche, a distinguished hero of the May Revolution of 1811. He managed to take control of the garrison of the main square together with the famous 34 men of Curuguaty.
• Mariano Antonio Molas, a prominent Paraguayan born in 1870 in Asuncion. He was an outstanding student at the Royal Seminary College of San Carlos in Asuncion.
• Fernando de la Mora, a criollo of white descent, born in 1785 in Itapua. He came from an elite Spanish family.
• Father Francisco Javier Bogarin, a native of Carapegua. He was a member of the Congress of 17 June 1811.
• Dona Juana Maria de Lara, a distinguished woman of Paraguayan society who entered history as one of the nation's heroines. She was the wife of Captain Jose Diaz de Bedoya and belonged to the elite of Asuncion, where she was born.

Milestones on the road to Paraguay's independence

Although the May Revolution was the first step towards Paraguay's independence, a series of later events proved decisive in the final proclamation of the republic. Among them:

19 January 1811 - the Battle of Paraguari. At first the battle went in favour of the Argentine forces, but thanks to the strategy of Captains Cabanas and Gamarra the Paraguayan army secured victory.

The Battle of Tacuari. A battle was fought at the same time at Tacuari, where the Paraguayans faced the army of Manuel Belgrano. After six hours of fighting the Argentine forces were defeated, but the two sides reached a peace agreement. The Paraguayans escorted the Argentine army to the Parana River, from where they returned to Buenos Aires.

17 June 1811 - the convening of the General Junta. It was decided to suspend the activity of the Regency Council and to create a Supreme Governing Junta.

12 October 1811 - the signing of the treaty between Buenos Aires and Asuncion. This treaty formally recognised the independence of the newly established Republic of Paraguay.

25 November 1842 - the signing of the Act of Independence of Paraguay. On this day, under President Carlos Antonio Lopez, the country's sovereignty was formally affirmed.

Pedro Juan Caballero was a distinguished hero of the battles of Paraguari and Tacuari, fought in early 1811.

17 July 1852 - recognition of Paraguay's independence by the Argentine Confederation. This event marked the end of 41 years of rivalry between the two countries' leaders and the beginning of formal diplomatic relations.

Anecdotes of independence

One of the remarkable stories connected with Paraguay's independence concerns a failed revolution planned a month before the main uprising, on 6 April 1811. The conspirators were discovered and arrested, reportedly because of betrayal by someone within their own ranks who gave away their plans. A month later, however, the situation changed thanks to Juana Maria de Lara, a key figure among the national heroes. She played a strategic role in organising the conspiracy, acting as a link between the revolutionaries. It was she who coordinated the places and dates of meetings, kept information from leaking, and prevented the plans to break free from the Spanish crown from being uncovered. From that moment, the Republic of Paraguay became fully independent. Despite grievous military defeats such as the War of the Triple Alliance, Paraguay preserved its sovereignty.

The founding of Asuncion

The city of Asuncion was founded on 15 August 1537 by Captain Don Juan de Salazar y Espinosa, who had arrived together with Don Pedro de Mendoza, the first adelantado (governor) of the Rio de la Plata. The fort that would later grow into the city of Asuncion was established on the lands of the Cario people, one of the Guarani groups living in the region.

The Spanish called Asuncion the "Mother of Cities," because it became the administrative centre of the entire province. From its ports set out the expeditions that founded other colonies across the region.

The first governments of Paraguay

After independence was proclaimed, Paraguay's first government was the Supreme Governing Junta, which began its work on the morning of 16 May 1811.

Following the removal of governor Bernardo de Velasco from power, decided by the National Congress of 1811, the first governments of independent Paraguay were led by patriotic Paraguayans. They were devoted to the people and sought to defend the country's sovereignty and to consolidate its newly won independence.

The note of 20 July 1811

On 20 July 1811, the Supreme Governing Junta sent a letter to the Junta of Buenos Aires, formally declaring that Paraguay would govern itself.

From the letter:

"Until a General Congress is formed, this province will govern itself, without the esteemed Junta of Buenos Aires being able to interfere in its government, administration or any other jurisdiction."

The letter went on to say:

"Mistaken is anyone who thinks our aim was to place ourselves at another's discretion and depend on someone else's will. In that case we would have gained nothing but the exchange of one set of chains for another, and one master for another."

The letter was signed by the members of the Supreme Governing Junta:

• Fulgencio Yegros
• Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia
• Pedro Juan Caballero
• Francisco Javier Bogarin
• Fernando de la Mora

The triumvirate, or provisional government

The revolution gave rise to the first provisional government of independent Paraguay.

The triumvirate was made up of:

• Captain Juan Valeriano Zeballos
• Dr Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia
• Governor Bernardo de Velasco

On 9 June 1811, however, Bernardo de Velasco was finally removed from power.

This triumvirate lasted just one month and one day (from 16 May to 17 June 1811). A congress was then convened to determine the new system of government in Paraguay.

The Congress of 1811 - the First National Congress

The Congress sat from 17 to 20 June 1811. It was attended by representatives of towns and settlements, various civic bodies and influential citizens.

The Congress's main decisions were:

• The creation of a new form of government - a Supreme Governing Junta of five members.
• President: Fulgencio Yegros.
• Members: Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia, Pedro Juan Caballero, Father Francisco Javier Bogarin and Fernando de la Mora.
• A ban on European Spaniards holding public office.
• All offices were to be held by native Paraguayans or people from other parts of Spanish America. (This became one of the foundations of the future idea of the "Great Homeland" - the union of Latin American nations.)
• Full independence of Paraguay from the other provinces of the former viceroyalty. The country was, however, to maintain friendly relations with neighbouring territories.

Education and culture in independent Paraguay

• Primary education was made compulsory.
• Primary schools were opened to develop the education system.
• The Colegio Carolino was established for higher education.
• The Paraguayan Literary Society was founded.
• Courses and programmes were organised to train specialists.
• Teachers were trained and the standard of public education was raised.
• Corporal punishment in schools was banned.
• Guarantees of freedom, property and human rights were introduced.

Economic reforms

• Free navigation was opened on the Parana and Paraguay rivers for trade and the transport of goods.
• Farming methods were improved, in particular the development of cotton growing.
• Land was distributed among families in the country's interior.

The Second National Congress

The Congress met on 30 September 1813 and brought together 1,000 deputies from across the country.

• The session was chaired by Pedro Juan Caballero.
• It was decided to create a new type of government - the Consulate (1813-1814).
• Fulgencio Yegros and Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia were appointed consuls.

The Government Regulation (1813)

The document was drafted by Dr Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia and Pedro Juan Caballero on 12 October 1813. It became the first fundamental law of the independent Republic of Paraguay.

Its key provisions were:

• The dissolution of the Supreme Governing Junta.
• The formal proclamation of the Republic of Paraguay.
• The consuls would rule in turn, each for a term of four months.
• The consuls were required to ensure the country's protection and security.

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