Paraguayan Civil War (1947)

Quick Facts: Who was Paraguayan Civil War (1947)?

Subject:

Paraguayan Civil War (1947)

Known for:

A major Paraguayan civil war spanning from March to August 1947.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Paraguayan Civil War (also known as the Barefoot Revolution and the Third Paraguayan Civil War) was a civil war in Paraguay that lasted from 7 March to 20 August 1947. In 1940 President Higinio Morínigo suspended the constitution and banned political parties. Resistance to his rule took the form of general strikes and student riots. In 1946 Morínigo legalized political activity and formed a cabinet with the Febrerista Revolutionary Concentration and the Colorado Party. The Febreristas resigned from the coalition on January 11, 1947, angry that Morínigo seemed to be favoring the Colorados.

Career & Major Achievements

The Febreristas made common cause with the Liberal Party and the Paraguayan Communist Party. Former Paraguayan president and founder of the Febrerista Party Rafael Franco led a rebellion that mushroomed into a civil war as the Paraguayan armed forces, which had previously remained loyal, split. The Communist Party became increasingly active, organizing rural peasants and workers and pushing for agrarian reform. Meanwhile, the United States began a campaign to combat communism throughout the Americas, which included supporting right-wing governments and political movements. As a result, the U.S. backed Juan Natalicio Gonzalez, a wealthy landowner and political ally, in leading the 1947 coup against President Morinigo.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On the rebels' side were all the political parties except the Colorados, most of the bankers and administrators and 80% of military officers. Out of 11 army divisions, four joined the rebels: on March 8 the two infantry divisions at Concepcion rebelled, joined by the two Chaco infantry divisions a few days later. On the government's side were the Colorados, three cavalry divisions at Campo Grande; three Asunción divisions (infantry, signallers and engineers) and the artillery division from Paraguari equipped with World War II American weapons, specifically M1 Garand rifles and American-supplied captured weapons such as the German MP 40 submachine gun, giving the Colorados superior firepower. Most importantly, Argentina under Juan Perón gave vital support to the government without which they might well have fallen. On April 27 the navy joined the rebellion and shelled Asunción; they were fought off by the artillery division that had come from Paraguarí, commanded by Gen. Alfredo Stroessner.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1940: 1940 Milestone — In 1940 President Higinio Morínigo suspended the constitution and banned political parties.
2. 1946: 1946 Milestone — In 1946 Morínigo legalized political activity and formed a cabinet with the Febrerista Revolutionary Concentration and the Colorado Party.
3. 1947: 1947 Milestone — The Paraguayan Civil War (also known as the Barefoot Revolution and the Third Paraguayan Civil War) was a civil war in Paraguay that lasted from 7 March to 20 August 1947.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Paraguayan Civil War (1947)

True or False: “Did the Colorados gain superior firepower during the conflict primarily due to support from Argentina?”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text notes that Argentina, under Juan Perón, gave vital support to the government forces.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al Capone — Historical peer (Died in 1947) (1947): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Alan Guth — Historical peer (Born in 1947) (1947): Pioneering cosmologist known for developing the theory of cosmic inflation.
• Abbas Kiarostami — Historical peer (Born in 1940) (1940): Master Iranian filmmaker known for blending fiction and documentary styles.
• Abdurrahman Wahid — Historical peer (Born in 1940) (1940): Influential Indonesian politician, Islamic leader, and fourth President known for pluralism.
• Adam Michnik — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• Ahmad Zahir — Historical peer (Born in 1946) (1946): Iconic Afghan singer, songwriter, and composer, dubbed the "Elvis of Afghanistan".

Frequently Asked Questions about Paraguayan Civil War (1947)