The Paraguayan War took place between 1864 and 1870. It is a specific conflict generated by multiple factors. The presence of an autocratic regime, epitomised by the Paraguayan President Francisco Solano López, the ambitious hegemonic aspirations of the countries involved, including expansionism, internal political instabilities and unresolved border issues created an "explosive" mix of interests that resulted in a major military conflict, the Paraguayan War. The war involved four La Plata countries: Argentina, Uruguay and the Brazilian Empire which clashed with Paraguay. The Paraguayan war, which has the distinction of being the greatest conflict in Latin American history, also stands out on a global scale because of its tragic nature. The Paraguayan War is the conflict that, in modern warfare, has caused the highest percentage of casualties in any single country. In the Republic of Paraguay, the total population fell by 20% after the war, compared to the pre-war situation. The six-year Paraguayan War ended in 1870 with Paraguay's total defeat.
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