Manuel Belgrano's invasion of Paraguay begins (1810)

Manuel Belgrano launched a military expedition toward Paraguay in late 1810 to secure adherence to the Buenos Aires government. After a general assembly in Paraguay rejected the Junta on 24 July 1810 and pledged allegiance to the Regency Council of Spain, Belgrano — unaware of that decision — moved toward the province. His forces crossed the Paraná River on 19 December 1810, beginning the invasion.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Following the May Revolution, Belgrano sought to ensure the Intendency of Paraguay recognized the Primera Junta. However, a general assembly in Paraguay on July 24, 1810, rejected the Junta and pledged allegiance to the Spanish Regency Council. Unaware of this rejection, Belgrano proceeded with his expedition, aiming to guarantee loyalty or establish a friendly government.

Preparation and Movement. Belgrano moved towards Paraguay with the goal of securing political adherence. By November 1810, his army reached the Paraná River near Apipé island. The river, nearly 1,000 meters wide, served as a significant natural barrier, giving the Paraguayan governor an advantage against the advancing patriotic army.

Crossing the Paraná. The invasion began in earnest when Belgrano's forces crossed the Paraná River using several boats on December 19, 1810. During this operation, a task force of 54 Paraguayan soldiers was forced to flee during the Battle of Campichuelo, marking the first significant military engagement of the campaign.

People involved

Sources

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