Member-only story
The Bloodiest 20th Century South American Conflict
It is not World War II
For a large number of states, World War II proved to be the bloodiest war of the 20th century. That is not the case in South America. The Spanish speaking world was largely free from the effects of the Second World War. Spain was neutral due to their recent civil war and South America was largely left alone. The result is that the worst war in South America was not a world war but a war that took place during the Interwar Period.
In 1932, a territorial dispute erupted into full scale war between Bolivia and Paraguay. The Chaco region was said to be home to vast oil fields that were about to become extremely lucrative. The presence of oil in the arid area between the two nations drove them to blows.
Both Bolivia and Paraguay had been ravaged by 19th century wars that had humiliated them and deprived each state of key territories. Neither side was willing to let the same thing happen again so they dug in.
Thus began the Chaco War. By the time it was over 150,000 people were dead.
