Battles of the Paraguayan War
1864–1870 · 2 battles covered, in date order. Click a battle on the map for its summary.
Battle (size: ships engaged)
Brazilian movement
Paraguayan movement
Routes are approximate.
1865
11 June 1865 · Paraná River, near Corrientes
Battle of RiachueloBrazilian victory
Paraguay planned to surprise the Brazilian squadron at anchor below Corrientes and board it, but its flotilla arrived late and steamed past firing instead, then anchored under shore batteries at the mouth of the Riachuelo. Admiral Barroso turned back and used his flagship Amazonas as a ram, sinking Paraguayan steamers one after another. Paraguay lost four steamers and its gun barges, and never again challenged Brazil on the rivers. Barroso's signal echoed Nelson: "Brazil expects every man to do his duty".
9 (1 lost)
vs
8 (4 lost)
1868
19 February 1868 · Humaitá fortress, Paraguay River
Passage of HumaitáBrazilian success
Humaitá's batteries and river chain had blocked the Paraguay River for nearly three years. On a high river, six Brazilian ironclads ran past at night in three pairs, each big ironclad lashed to a small river monitor, crossing over the submerged chain. The hidden Timbó battery upstream did as much damage as the fortress. All six got through, and Paraguay evacuated its capital, Asunción.