On September 18, 1865, the surrender of the Paraguayan Lieutenant Colonel Antonio de la Cruz Estigarribia took place in the presence of Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil and the Presidents Bartolomé Mitre of Argentina and Venancio Flores in Rio Grande do Sul, thereby concluding the first phase of the Paraguayan War. Although the surrender could have marked the end of the conflict, Brazil insisted on the death of Solano López, prolonging the conflict further.
In the months following the surrender in Uruguaiana, the allied forces continued their operations and liberated the last Paraguayan strongholds on Argentine territory, including the cities of Corrientes and São Cosme at the confluence of the Paraná and Paraguay rivers by the end of 1865. In the same year, the Triple Alliance launched an offensive with over 50,000 soldiers and prepared to invade Paraguay. The Paraguayan War, which began in December 1864, extended until March 1870.
Matheus Araújo
Matheus Araújo is the founder and editor of Brazilian History. Born in Rio de Janeiro and holding a degree in Advertising and Marketing, his passion for history led him to enroll at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, where he is currently pursuing a degree in History Education.
