Facts about Paraguay

(There are still some on the website I provided, but I chose a few due to the word count requirement)

Talking about the history of Paraguay on paper

Paraguay, this starts from the geographical location From the looks of it, the most closed small country in the South American continent has been established for 193 years. It was a country that directly transformed from a Spanish colonial province during the wave of Latin American independence movements. This country has many unique characteristics among South American countries, and these characteristics have also created Paraguay's unique historical trajectory.

Paraguay is the only country in South America with an Indian component and a high status. The Guaraní first set foot in Paraguay as early as 1524 with a team of Portuguese adventurer Aleixo Garcia. Before the mouth of the river, they were already threatening the eastern border of the Inca Empire as a fierce and warlike nation. However, the Guarani people are warriors in the tropical jungle, and their culture has not developed to the height of the Inca Empire. The abstract concept of wealth is almost blank in the consciousness of the Guaraní people. They have to climb the towering and steep Andes Mountains and conquer the climate. The cold Peruvian plateau lacked allure for Guaraní warriors.

From another perspective, in the eyes of the Inca warriors of the empire, the dangerous valley passes of the Andes, the hot and humid climate in the eastern foothills, and the savage and untamable Guaraní tribe were just like the Standard Oil Company in the 1930s. The Bolivian army armed with money has to face the same situation, which is so daunting and insurmountable.

Today’s Mestizo people of Guarani ancestry account for more than 90% of Paraguay’s population, and Guaraní has ??become the country’s second national language (along with the Peruvian Bacchus). Unlike the artificial protection measures used to elevate a sub-language to a second national language, Guaraní’s status is inherent). The character of the Guaraní people and their reaction to the new culture form the shadow behind the tone of Paraguay's history.

1. Paraguay before independence

During the nearly 300 years of colonial rule by the Kingdom of Spain, Paraguay existed as an inconspicuous inland province. This inconspicuous character persists stubbornly to this day even after Paraguay became independent. Compared with other provinces, the Guaraní Indians in Paraguay Province are probably the least able to feel the pressure of Spanish rule and conquest.

The Latin history of Paraguay began when the Portuguese adventurer Garcia arrived at the mouth of the Paraguay River. Garcia initially gained the trust of the Guarani chiefs here, recruited more than 2,000 warriors, and plundered the eastern border of the Inca Empire in the Chaco region. I lack more detailed information and it is difficult to understand what caused the internal strife between Garcia and the Guarani warriors. In the end, all Garcia's squad was killed at the hands of the Guarani warriors.

But judging from Garcia’s experience, the Guaraní are a nation that can cooperate with Europeans. Therefore, the Spanish who arrived one after another could safely establish a settlement in Paraguay and turn the area centered on Asuncion into the Paraguay Province of Spanish America without encountering much resistance. Before Paraguay became independent, only in the 1670s, a Guarani prophet who called himself Obelaa - Sunlight, launched a holy war and briefly challenged the penetration of the Catholic Church in Guarani society.

In primitive Indian societies other than the Inca Empire and the Aztecs, most of the peoples who were martial and capable of possessing strong fighting power were also peoples who obeyed authority and abided by discipline. I cannot personally investigate this, and the available data cannot prove this. However, as the most fierce and warlike nation on the South American continent, the Guarani people have been able to submit to every long dictatorship in the country's nearly 200 years of history, which seems to explain something.

The most distinctive page in the history of pre-independence Paraguay is the existence of the Jesuit naturalized area for two centuries. Loyola's idea of ??founding the Jesuits, with its simple utopian socialist ideals of a spiritual society, finally found a compatibility point in Guaraní society. In 1588, Jesuit missionaries entered southeastern Paraguay and successfully established more than 30 naturalized areas. A large number of Guarani people moved to the naturalized area and formed a closed, isolated and self-sufficient society based on Catholic practice activities. Each naturalized area is built according to a unified plan. It is a square community with straight roads. Each house has a uniform porch, so even if you walk around the city on a rainy day, you won't get caught in the rain. All Guaraní and Jesuit monks living in the naturalized areas own land and property. They worked together, had three meals a day, and went to mass on time. Products are distributed evenly to help the poor, weak, elderly and suffering.

Such a society has existed quietly and without dispute for two centuries. It is difficult to say whether the character of the Guarani people is suitable for such a highly disciplined and orderly society, or whether such a closed and orderly society has created the character of the Paraguayan people. Even after the political conflict between the Jesuits and the Spanish colonial authorities in the Province of Paraguay, the unarmed Jesuits were able to fight against the Creole militia of Asuncion from 1725 to 1735. For 10 years, from 1750 to 1761, they fought an 11-year war with the Spanish army, which received constant foreign aid. The strength of the Guaraní people that could be gathered in the naturalized area had begun to take shape.

After the political failure of the Jesuit state within a state, the various naturalized areas were gradually abandoned and lost in the jungle. The Jesuit naturalization area that has become a World Cultural Heritage today, the Baroque architecture of La Santisima Trinidad, the exquisite Guarani carvings, and the Jesús de Tabalanga (La Santisima Trinidad) The strong Spanish Catholic flavor of the three arches of Jesus de Tavarangue attracts tourists from all over the world to explore the Catholic communist dream of more than two centuries ago. But how many naturalized zone-style ideas and dreams are still preserved in the spiritual world of Paraguayans today?

2. Paraguay’s Lonely Independence

Although Paraguay’s independence followed the Latin American independence movement, it highlighted its loneliness and closedness. Latin American Caudilloism is also clearly visible in Paraguay, but looking back on the historical context, Paraguay is a lonely and huge Caudillo. Whether it is Francia, Lopez Sr., Lopez Jr., Marinigo, or Stroessner, they are all more like the giant Caudillo who monopolizes all authority.

Perhaps this country is too small and does not have sufficient land and estates to build a political structure of estate owners similar to that of other Latin American countries. Perhaps it is the deep-rooted authoritarianism in Guarani culture that makes this country only have political and ideological opposition, but lacks economic-based political opposition. But this still does not explain the problem. Paraguay's first immigrant leader, Ilara, an outsider without the influence of Guaraní culture, was able to maintain his dominance for 20 years. The power of successive provincial governors appointed by Spain was in vain.

Antequera Castro, together with his partner Mombo, made the first lonely attempt at independence between 1721 and 1735. It is lonely, has no response from the outside world, and excludes all other political forces. The Catholic Church, the Spanish governor, the Jesuit naturalization area, and the Guarani people, even the societies established for a short period of independence, turned out to be copied from the Jesuits. Autonomous communes (Comuneros) on the model of naturalized areas, egalitarian and isolationist associations under authority.

Paraguay’s real independence came 75 years after the failure of the Autonomous Communes. It seems that this movement is not so isolated. Buenos Aires has become independent, and General San Martín will return to Argentina to start his great revolution. career. But events in the province of Paraguay were contrary to the cause of General San Martín. The army led by General Belgrano (Friends who are familiar with the Anglo-Amalgia War in the Vinas Islands may remember that the sunken Argentine main warship was the General Belgrano.) did not welcome Lapra in Paraguay Province. It was a flower for the Revolutionary Army of the United Provinces, but a heavy blow to the Paraguayans. Although this attack represented the loyalty of Velasco, the governor of the King of Spain, to the Spanish royal family, the Paraguayans' strong desire to isolate themselves and establish a nation cannot be ignored.

In January 1811, the Paraguayans defeated the army of the United Provinces of La Plata led by General Belgrano. On May 14, Paraguayans expelled Governor Velasco and organized a "Hunda" (committee). In June, the Paraguay Provincial Congress announced that it would break away from Spanish rule and establish the independent Republic of Paraguay. The first constitution of the Republic of China was adopted in October 1813.

3. Paraguay’s Dictators

Paraguay’s exiled writer Roja Bastos said this about the dictatorship in his homeland: “We live in a world that has always been dominated by Attacked by an incurable terminal disease, this terminal disease is called "human". Indeed, looking at the 200-year history of Paraguay since its independence, it can be generally said that it is composed of the names of these "people": Francia (Jose Gaspar Roderiguez de Francia (reigned from 1814 to 1840)), Lopez Sr. ( Carlos Antonio Lopez (reigned from 1840 to 1862), Francisco Solano Lopez (reigned from 1862 to 1870), Higinio Marinigo (reigned from 1940 to 1948), Alfredo Stroessner (reigned from 1954) ~1989).

When mentioning dictators, most people will associate them with words such as brutal dictatorship, personality cult, secret police, political persecution, and nepotism. As for Latin American dictators, I first read Marquez’s speech at the Nobel Prize ceremony more than ten years ago, and I was deeply impressed by their dictatorial style that exceeded imagination. It can be said that their incredible historical deeds aroused my strong interest in a moment. It is the source of the looming long time ago that I wrote these articles today.

Let me repeat Márquez’s original words translated into Chinese: “Antonio López de Santa Anna, who had imposed a dictatorship on Mexico three times, wanted to bury his so-called pastry. After losing his right leg in the war, he ordered an extremely luxurious funeral.

·····General Maximiliano Hernandez Martinez, the theosophical tyrant of El Salvador, actually wiped out 30,000 peasants in a brutal massacre. In order to check whether the food was poisoned, he also invented a pendulum and ordered all public lighting fixtures to be covered with red paper to prevent the spread of scarlet fever. The memorial statue of General Francisco Morazan that stands in the main square of Tegucigalpa is actually a statue of Marshal Ney purchased in an old statue warehouse in Paris. ”

Self-compiled chronology of major events in Paraguay’s history

Chronology of major events in Paraguay’s history

(Mainly refer to Li Chunhui’s “Manuscript of the History of Latin America”, Commercial Press)

In 1524, the Portuguese Aleixo Garcia and several companions arrived at the mouth of the Paraguay River, formed an alliance with the Guaraní people, and led 2,000 Guarani warriors through the Chaco region to invade the Incas. Empire border area. After returning to Paraguay, he was killed by the Guaraní. In 1526, the Spanish Sebastian Capote led an expedition into the Paraguay River area and once reached Asunción. /p>

In 1535, Mendoza was sent to La Plata and Paraguay by King Carlos I of Spain. After Mendoza landed in Buenos Aires, he ordered Juan de Ayolas. Ayolas led an expedition to Paraguay.

In August 1537, Martinez de Irala, a member of the expedition, established the first settlement in Asunción. Became a Spanish colony.

In September 1537, Ilara was appointed the first ruler of Asunción.

In 1544, the first revolution, the Creed of Asunción. The Orans revolted and expelled Alvar Nunes Caleza Vaca, the Spanish-appointed governor of Asunción.

In 1556, Ilara died, and his rule ended in Asunción. The first bishopric was established.

In the 1670s, a prophet appeared among the Guarani people, calling himself Obelaa - Sunlight, and launched a short-lived holy war.

< p> In 1588, Jesuit missionaries entered Paraguay and preached deeply to the Indian tribes in southeastern Paraguay. After that, they established a Jesuit-ruled area including 30 naturalized areas with a population of more than 100,000, which existed for two centuries. p>

In the seventeenth century, Paraguay was placed under the jurisdiction of the Governor-General of Peru.

In 1721, the native white people of Asuncion brewed a movement to resist Spanish rule, which was the beginning of the uprising from 1721 to 1735. /p>

In 1725, a coup was launched to remove the governor of Spain, and the new government abolished the Jesuit area and expelled the Jesuits.

In 1731, the native white militia was defeated by the army of the Governor of Peru, and Antequera Castro was captured and executed in Lima on July 5. p> In February 1732, 2,000 Paraguayan rebels sacked the Jesuit seminary and imprisoned the bishop.

In 1733, Antequera Castro's friend and comrade Mombo, He led the native white people in Asunción to launch a new uprising, killed the Spanish governor, and established the "Autonomous Commune" (Comuneros) in Asunción.

In 1735, the autonomous commune was defeated by the army of the Governor of Peru and failed.

From 1750 to 1761, the Viceroyalty of Peru engaged in long-term conflicts and wars with the Jesuit-ruled areas;

In 1761, the Jesuits were expelled from Paraguay. The entire territory of Paraguay was under Spanish colonial rule.

In the late eighteenth century, Paraguay separated from the Viceroyalty of Peru and was transferred to the Viceroyalty of La Plata.

In May 1810, Buenos Aires declared independence and asked the provinces of the former Viceroyalty of La Plata to join, but the Province of Paraguay refused. The Buenos Aires government sent Belgrano to lead an army into Paraguay.

In January 1811, Paraguay defeated Belgrano's army.

On May 14, 1811, the Asuncion rebels expelled Velasco, the provincial governor who was associated with the royal party, and organized the "Hunta". "Hunta" was hosted by Jose Gaspar Roderiguez de Francia (1766-1840).

In June 1811, the Congress officially announced its independence from Spanish rule and established the independent Republic of Paraguay.

In October 1813, the first constitution was adopted.

In May 1814, Francia was appointed by Congress and became a dictatorial ruler.

In 1816, Francia was appointed ruler for life.

In 1840, Francia died.

In 1841, Carlos Antonio Lopez (1790-1862) came to power.

From 1842 to 1844, the black slaves were liberated.

In 1845, Paraguay's first newspaper was published. Francisco Solano Lopez (1826-1870) was appointed army commander.

In 1853, Paraguay was recognized by the United States and other European powers. Lopez Jr. went to Britain, Spain, Italy and France to buy arms.

In 1858, construction of the railway from Asunción to Buenos Aires began.

In 1859, the U.S. Navy invaded Paraguay.

In 1862, Lopez Sr. died. Lopez Jr. came to power.

In 1864, Brazil launched a war against Uruguay, and Brazilian troops invaded Uruguay.

On November 12, 1864, the Lopez Jr. government officially declared war on Brazil.

In April 1865, the Argentine government declared war on Paraguay. On May 10, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay signed a tripartite agreement under the planning of the British Ambassador to Argentina Edward Thornton to form an alliance to fight against Paraguay.

In March 1870, little Lopez was killed in a battle deep in the Cora jungle. Paraguay was defeated, signed an armistice, and ceded 55,000 square miles of territory to Brazil and Argentina.

On November 25, 1870, the Paraguayan Congress promulgated the second constitution. The Constitution stipulates that Congress is composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The president, vice president, and members of Congress are indirectly elected for four-year terms.

In October 1871, the first president Salvador Jovellanos was elected under the new constitution and took office.

In November 1874, the second President Juan Bautista Gil took office.

In 1876, the Brazilian army withdrew from Paraguay in accordance with the 1870 Armistice Treaty.

In April 1877, President Hill was assassinated.

From 1881 to 1909, 7 coups took place.

In July 1887, the Leipzig Company, formed by German immigrants, established the "New German District" 210 kilometers northeast of Asuncion.

In 1892, the first university was established in Asunción.

In 1893, utopian socialist William Lane organized the "Australian Co-operative Association" and planned to establish a utopian society called "New Australia" in Paraguay. The Paraguayan government supported the project and allocated 450,000 acres of land adjacent to Villarrica to the organization. The plan failed within 2 years.

In 1906, Italian immigrants established the "New Italy" district between Lambare and Angostura, south of Asuncion.

In 1912, Eduardo Schaerer was elected president, becoming the only president since 1870 to serve a full four-year term.

In 1913, the railway from Asunción to Buenos Aires was completed.

In 1922, Mobil Oil Company discovered oil in Gran Chaco.

From 1924 to 1928, during the administration of President Eligio Ayala, Paraguay's economy developed greatly.

In 1928, Paraguay and Bolivia clashed over the Gran Chaco oil field.

1932~1935, Gran Chaco War. The commander of the Paraguayan side was Colonel Estigarribia, and the commander of the Bolivian side was the German officer General Kundt. Paraguay won the war.

In 1933, the Communist Party of Paraguay was established.

On May 30, 1934, U.S. Senator Huey Long of Louisiana gave a speech, revealing that the Gran Chaco War was essentially a fight between the New Jersey Standard Oil Company and the Shell Oil Company to compete for the Chaco region. The two companies financed the war over oil rights in Bolivia and Paraguay respectively. Lang described Standard Oil as "criminals, evildoers, national murderers, foreign murderers, international conspirators, a den of greedy robbers and thieves, a den of saboteurs and thieves." (Reprinted in Guaranha magazine, Buenos Aires, November 1934)

In early 1936, the National Front was formed.

On February 17, 1936, the Army launched a coup to overthrow the government of Liberal Eusebio Ayala. Colonel Rafael Franco, a general in the Gran Chaco War, Rafael Franco formed a provisional government.

On August 13, 1937, the army and navy launched a coup, Franco resigned, and Dr. Felix Paiva came to power.

In July 1938, Paraguay and Bolivia signed a peace treaty. Paraguay received 3/4 of the disputed land in Gran Chaco, while Bolivia only received a corridor extending from Columba into Brazil.

On April 30, 1939, in the national election, Jose Felix Estigarribia, leader of the Liberal Party and commander of the Gran Chaco War, was elected president.

In 1939, the Paraguay Federation of Labor was established.

In 1940, Estigarribia declared a dictatorship. On August 4, the third constitution was promulgated. The Constitution stipulates that the president is directly elected for a five-year term and can be re-elected; the Congress is changed to a unicameral system; all military and administrative powers of the country are concentrated in the president. Cabinet members and Supreme Court justices are nominated by the president. During the year, Estigarribia died in a plane explosion. Higinio Marinigo comes to power.

In 1942, the Marigno government ordered the dissolution of the Liberal Party.

In February 1945, the Marigno government declared war on the Axis Powers.