Battles & Campaigns · 1865
Battle of Riachuelo
Riachuelo stream, Corrientes, Argentina
What happened
A Brazilian fleet under Francisco Manuel Barroso fought a Paraguayan fleet under Pedro Ignacio Meza. Early in the Paraguayan War, Paraguay's ships set out at night to capture Brazilian steamers anchored on the Paraná River near Corrientes. One Paraguayan ship broke down, and instead of boarding, the others fired as they passed. Barroso regrouped and rammed several Paraguayan ships, and most of Paraguay's fleet was lost.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Paraguay lost most of its navy and had to fight on the defensive.
What came next
Barroso was made Baron of Amazonas in 1866, named after his flagship.
Did you know?
Barroso signalled 'Brazil expects that every man will do his duty', copying Admiral Nelson.
Timeline
- 11 June 1865Battle of Riachuelo.
- 12 August 1865Paraguayan guns attack the Brazilian fleet from the cliffs at Cuevas.
- 1866Barroso becomes Baron of Amazonas.