Battle of Curupayty

The 22 September attack started with a bombardment by admiral Joaquim Marques Lisboa's fleet at 07:00 which lasted until noon, but with little effect. Participating in the attack were the ships Brasil, Barroso, Tamandaré, Ipiranga, Belmonte, Parnaíba, Pedro Affonso, Forte de Coimbra, and the gunboats No. 1, 2, and 3. Despite the firing of 5,000 bombs and shells, only one Paraguayan gun was damaged.[1]^: 63–64

Bartolomé Mitre warned that the Imperial fleet had finished its cannonade and assuming that the Paraguayan positions were to be destroyed, he ordered the advance on land. The right wing was composed of two columns of Argentines, under the command of general Emilio Mitre and general Wenceslao Paunero. The left wing was composed of two columns of Brazilians under the command of general Albino de Carvalho and colonel Augusto Caldas. The center Brazilians were commanded by colonel Lucas de Lima.[1]^: 63

General Polidoro Jordão was to attack the Paraguayan defenses at Paso Gomez, along the Estero Rojas, with 20,000 Brazilians. General Venancio Flores was to take a cavalry force in a flanking movement against the Paraguayan's on the Allied right.[1]^: 63 Once the Allied soldiers had crossed two ditches, and were reaching the top of the wall, they were within reach of the Paraguayan artillery; Díaz ordered the artillery to fire with grape, canister, and shell shot. This inflicted heavy casualties amongst the Allied troops who were slowly advancing in dense formations through the muddy terrain. Allied soldiers could not get close to the wall of the Paraguayan fort, with only 60 making it, who were soon killed.[1]^: 64 By 14:00, the attack was abandoned, and by 17:00, the Allied army was back in Curuzú.[1]^: 64

Immediate Aftermath

In the immediate aftermath of the battle, the Triple Alliance forces retreated to their previous positions, suffering heavy losses. The Allied offensive was halted for ten months, until July 1867. The Paraguayan victory bolstered morale and provided them with captured weapons, ammunition, and supplies. However, the victory also allowed President López to maintain his grip on power, ultimately perpetuating the devastating war.

Military Strategies and Outcomes

Following the Battle of Curupayty, both sides reevaluated their military strategies. The Triple Alliance forces, recognizing their underestimation of Paraguay's defensive capabilities, adopted a more cautious approach to future engagements. Meanwhile, Paraguay continued to build upon its defensive strategy, constructing additional fortifications and strengthening its position along the Paraguay River.

Despite their victory at Curupayty, the Paraguayan forces were ultimately unable to repel the offensive of the Triple Alliance. In 1868, after the Siege of Humaitá and the fall of Asunción, Paraguay's situation became increasingly desperate. Nevertheless, President López refused to surrender, prolonging the conflict and causing further devastation to his country.

Political Developments

The Paraguayan victory at Curupayty had a significant impact on the political landscape of the war. The unexpected defeat led to tensions among the members of the Triple Alliance and calls for the replacement of the Brazilian commander, Marshal Osório. Open revolt against the war started in Argentina by January 1867, forcing President Mitre to send "The Army of Pacification" of 4,000 under Paunero's command. Disturbances in Uruguay forced the recall of general Flores, who was subsequently assassinated.[1]^: 65 In general, the battle raised doubts about the feasibility of a swift victory, contributing to the war's prolongation and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Legacy

The Battle of Curupayty and its aftermath are remembered as a turning point in the Paraguayan War. While the battle demonstrated Paraguay's military prowess and determination, it also contributed to the conflict's protraction and the country's ultimate devastation. Today, the Battle of Curupayty is commemorated as a symbol of Paraguayan resistance and national pride, while also serving as a reminder of the high cost of war.

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  March of the Argentine Army to take positions for the attack on Curupaytí.
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  First attack by the Brazilian Army against Curupaytí.
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  Paraguayan fortification of Curupaytí.
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  Paraguayan Army resists the Allied offensive in the trenches.
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  First attack by the Argentine Army on Curupaytí.
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  Argentine Army moves for second attack.
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  Tragedy of the Allied Armies in Curupaytí.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Batalha de Curupaiti.

• Robert L, Robert L. (2003). Latin America's Wars: The Age of the Caudillo, 1791–1899. Dulles, Virginia: Brassey's. ISBN 978-1-57488-451-7.

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