The Chaco War: Bolivia and Paraguay, 1932 1935

by Bruce W. Farcau

Nearly 100,000 men died during the course of the tragic three-year war between two of the world's poorest nations, Bolivia and Paraguay, in the 1930s. The Chaco War was fought over a worthless stretch of desert scrubland for the pride of political leaders and the ambition of a few military officers. While thousands of illiterate, barefoot, undernourished peasant soldiers fought and died with incredible bravery, their commanders and national leaders fussed and fumed over imagined slights and avoided the peace which was so easily within their reach. The Bolivian military, in particular, performed abysmally. Few wars have been as unnecessary or as costly as the Chaco War.

Genres: History

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 23, 1996

Reviews

[Jeff Moffatt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Easily the most comprehensive account of the tragic Chaco War. This short and readable narration is a classic military history, describing military campaigns, commander tactics, infantry hardships, and diplomatic efforts for peace. The author is a career State department official, with numerous tours in Latin America, to include Bolivia. It was easy to get bogged down in the minutia of the battles and maneuvers, but this will likely be the definitive English language account of this now forgotten conflict.