Paraguay Declares Independence

Background. Following the 1810 May Revolution in Buenos Aires, the Primera Junta sought to control the former viceroyalty. Colonel José de Espinola was sent to Asunción to bring the province under junta authority. However, local conflicts arose between Spanish-born residents, porteños, and the Paraguayan criollo elite. In September 1810, a porteño conspiracy was uncovered, and subsequent Argentine military campaigns failed in early 1811.

Insurrection in Asunción. On the night of 14 May 1811, a military insurrection broke out in the Asunción garrison. Secret meetings had previously taken place at the home of Juana María de Lara to plan an ambush against Governor Bernardo de Velasco. The rebels succeeded in forcing the governor to surrender, marking the de facto start of Paraguay's independence.

Creation of the Junta. A group of officers and politicians forced Governor Velasco to agree to a three-man executive junta. On 17 May, a public proclamation announced the junta, consisting of Velasco, Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, and Juan Valeriano de Zeballos. This body initially swore allegiance to the Spanish crown but ruled until the First National Congress convened in June 1811.