Battle of Curupaity facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Curupayty
Part of the Paraguay War
Paraguayan soldiers in Curupaity shooting the enemy troops.
Date September 22, 1866 Location Curupayty, Paraguay Result Paraguay won
Belligerents
Paraguay	Uruguay, Argentina, Empire of Brazil
Commanders and leaders
José E. Díaz	Bartolomé Mitre, Tamandaré (Navy)
Strength
5,000	20,000
Casualties and losses
92 killed	4,000 killed

The Battle of Curupayty was a major fight during the Paraguayan War (also called the War of the Triple Alliance). It happened on September 22, 1866. This battle was fought between Paraguay and a combined army. This combined army was made up of soldiers from the Empire of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

What Was the Paraguayan War?

The Paraguayan War was one of the biggest and deadliest wars in South American history. It lasted from 1864 to 1870. The war was fought between Paraguay and the Triple Alliance. The Triple Alliance was a group formed by Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Why Did the War Start?

The war began because of disagreements over borders and power in the region. Paraguay's leader, Francisco Solano López, wanted his country to be strong. He felt threatened by his neighbors. This led to a large conflict that affected many lives.

Curupayty: A Strong Fortification

Curupayty was a very important place for Paraguay. It was a strong fortress located along the Paraguay River. This position was key to defending the capital city, Asunción. The Paraguayan army had built strong trenches and defenses there.

Paraguay's Defenses

General José E. Díaz led the Paraguayan forces at Curupayty. His soldiers worked hard to build deep trenches and walls. They also placed many cannons to stop enemy ships and soldiers. These defenses made Curupayty very difficult to attack.

The Allied Attack Plan

The Triple Alliance forces planned a big attack on Curupayty. Their plan involved two main parts. First, the Brazilian navy would bombard the fort from the river. This was meant to weaken the defenses. Second, the ground troops would attack the trenches.

Naval Bombardment

On September 22, 1866, the Brazilian navy began its attack. Their warships fired many cannonballs at the Paraguayan fort. However, the Paraguayan defenses were very strong. The naval attack did not cause much damage to the trenches.

Ground Assault

After the naval attack, the Allied ground troops began their assault. About 20,000 soldiers from Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay marched towards the trenches. They expected the bombardment to have cleared the way.

The Battle Unfolds

The Allied soldiers faced a terrible surprise. The Paraguayan defenses were still intact. The trenches were full of determined Paraguayan soldiers. They were ready to fight.

Fierce Resistance

As the Allied troops advanced, they were met with heavy gunfire. Paraguayan cannons and rifles fired constantly. The Allied soldiers found it almost impossible to cross the muddy ground and reach the trenches. Many fell before they could get close.

Paraguayan Victory

The battle was a disaster for the Triple Alliance. Their attack failed completely. The Paraguayan forces, though smaller in number, successfully defended their position. They showed great bravery and skill.

Aftermath and Impact

The Battle of Curupayty was a huge victory for Paraguay. It was one of the few major wins for them in the war. The Triple Alliance suffered heavy losses.

High Casualties

Paraguay lost only 92 soldiers in the battle. In contrast, the Triple Alliance lost around 4,000 soldiers. This huge difference in casualties showed how well Paraguay had defended the fort.

War Continues

The victory at Curupayty boosted Paraguay's spirits. However, it did not end the war. The conflict continued for several more years. The Triple Alliance eventually found other ways to advance.

Images for kids

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  Attack of the Brazilian Imperial Navy on the Curupayti batteries.

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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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  Second attack of 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.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Curupaytí para niños