|
The Colonial Period in Paraguay is an important phase in the history of Paraguay. The Colonial Period in Paraguay started in the year of 1536 and continued till 1811. The first Spanish colony was established by Domingo Martinez de Irala in1536-1556 and Juan de Salazar. The Spanish colonizers came in Paraguay in search of gold and settled in Guarani in the region of Asuncion which is the present capital of Paraguay. Irala then established the centre of Spanish power in Paraguay. A mixed generation followed. This mixed generation forms the majority of population in Paraguay.
From the beginning of the 17th century the Jesuit missionaries dominated the lives of the 150,000 Indians in about 30 settlements. These settlements witnessed religious conversion and various economic activities like agricultural and pastoral production. This mission secluded themselves from the country and established a state in a state. In 1721 - 35, the Spanish land owners declared a war against them and broke the monopoly of the Jesuits in Indian trade. The group also faced different challenges and was overthrown in the year of 1767. The vice royalty of Rio De La Plata was established in the year of 1776 which made Paraguay dependent on Buenos Aires and ended the colonial dominance.
Paraguay had to fight the forces of Argentina to end Paraguay Colonial Period. Paraguay got independence from Spain but the denied the leadership of Buenos Aires. Under the leadership of Pedro Juan Cabellero and Fulgencio Yegros, the Paraguayans declared their independence on May 14, 1811 giving an end to the colonial period in Paraguay. Bolivians were defeated in the war.
|
