Lula ignored Brazil's role in Uruguay war, disputed territories before Triple Alliance, historian says

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's recent statements regarding the War of the Triple Alliance have sparked debate, with historian Claudio Velázquez challenging the president's framing of the conflict. Lula suggested that Paraguay initiated the war by invading Brazil, using this narrative to justify a proposed increase in military spending ahead of upcoming elections.

During a political rally, Lula stated, "We like peace, but we cannot forget that one fine day, Paraguay decided to invade Brazil." He referenced the December 1864 incursion of Paraguayan troops into Mato Grosso do Sul as the prelude to the devastating war that lasted from 1864 to 1870. This conflict pitted Paraguay against an alliance of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay and is considered by many historians to have been genocidal, decimating Paraguay's population and economy.

“

We like peace, but we cannot forget that one fine day, Paraguay decided to invade Brazil.

However, Velázquez contends that Lula's account omits crucial historical context. The historian pointed out that the war's origins are more complex, involving Uruguay's civil war and the intervention of the Brazilian Empire. Velázquez argues that Paraguay's actions were a reaction to Brazil's involvement in Uruguay, not an unprovoked act of aggression.

"We must not think of Paraguay as a belligerent aggressor in this conflict," Velázquez stated, referencing official Paraguayan documents. He explained that the war began with Brazil's invasion of Uruguay in October 1864, leading to the fall of Paysandú and later Montevideo. Velázquez believes these "behind-the-scenes" events must be considered, rather than focusing solely on Paraguay's "reactive" invasion of Mato Grosso do Sul.

“

We must not think of Paraguay as a belligerent aggressor in this conflict.