On January 23, 1869, news of the successful coup in Urquiza reached Rio Grande do Sul. Li Mingyuan immediately launched the prepared response plan. On January 26, Rio Grande do Sul announced that Argentine troops had occupied the territory without reason.
In the disputed border area, the National Defense Forces will launch an operation to regain territory. A few hours after the announcement of the declaration, the well-prepared soldiers of the Second Mixed Brigade, supported by eight 105 mm howitzers, launched a combat operation to capture the San Javier Iron Mine.
San Javier became a garrison area for the Argentine army because of the discovery of iron ore seven years ago. However, the local permanent population is only 2,000 troops and more than 1,000 mine workers, and no permanent fortifications have been built.
After the 2nd Mixed Brigade launched its attack, it occupied all areas of San Javier except for the iron mines within one day. In addition to the more than 500 Argentine troops stationed outside the iron mines, which were wiped out, 1,500 soldiers and 1,000 soldiers remained.
Many workers huddled inside the fortifications of the iron ore factory area to resist attacks by Wehrmacht soldiers.
There is an emergency fortification and two bunkers built by Argentina in the iron mine. Fifteen hundred Argentine soldiers and a thousand miners organized in an emergency were closely guarded at the three main entrances and exits of the mine. After two exploratory attacks failed,
, the commander of the 2nd Mixed Brigade gave up the storm, and instead concentrated eight scattered 105mm howitzers to bombard the entrance of a mine.
The sound of artillery roared non-stop. Half an hour later, the artillery unit used three shells to blast through a fortress blocking the entrance. Then a battalion of assault troops immediately launched an attack from the breach and defeated the Argentine troops who tried to organize their positions again.
, seizing a marching channel for the follow-up troops.
The bunkers and fortifications they relied on were breached, and the Argentine troops in the iron ore area quickly lost confidence in continuing to resist. Under the all-out attack and slogans of surrender by the National Defense Forces soldiers, more than a thousand Argentine soldiers and miners quickly laid down their weapons and surrendered. San Javier
The battle lasted ten hours and ended.
After completely taking over the San Javier iron ore mine, the 2nd Mixed Brigade troops stopped advancing and were temporarily stationed at the iron ore mine to perform protective tasks.
After acquiring the San Javier iron ore mine, Li Mingyuan immediately sent representatives to negotiate with the Argentinians, offering terms of exchanging 300 square kilometers of land in the west of San Pedro for 200 square kilometers of San Javier.
The National Defense Forces joined the war at a sudden time, causing the battle to end before the Argentine troops arrived in San Javier.
The National Defense Forces seized the San Xavi iron mine and Urquiza seized the province of Antler Rios one after another. There were also external provocations from Paraguay. Argentine Presidents Sarmiento and Mitre considered again and again and were forced to agree to the land exchange conditions of the National Defense Forces.
, to stabilize the domestic situation in Argentina.
The exchange between the two places was carried out secretly. After receiving a response from Argentina, Li Mingyuan withdrew the garrison on the west bank of San Pedro on January 30 and handed it over to Fellner's troops.
The exchange agreement was able to be reached in a short period of time. In addition to Miter and others' concerns about making too many enemies, the supportive attitudes of Urquiza and Fellner also played an important role.
When the Chinese troops intervened in the war, the worst situation for Argentina was to lose part of its territory, which would not cause direct harm to their rule. However, when Fellner and especially Urquiza returned to power, their opposition was the most serious threat to the two Mitres.
The greatest harm to people.
If the two insist on going to war with Rio Grande do Sul, no matter how the war ends, it will create conditions for Urquiza to seize power. Therefore, they have two choices: fighting the Chinese to the death or maintaining their own rule in the territorial transaction that does not seem to suffer a loss.
Faced with the situation, Mitre and Sarmiento rationally chose the latter.
After the territorial exchange, Argentina immediately announced the recovery of 300 square kilometers of land in San Pedro, while San Javier was brushed aside and treated vaguely.
The territorial deal quickly disappeared from public opinion as Argentina deliberately downplayed it, while the war with Paraguay occupied the main attention of Argentines.
The autographed letter sent by Istigali became a stone that stirred up the political situation in Paraguay. After seeing his letter, little Lopez quickly took root in his heart to declare himself king and reform the system. Istigali's letter was first circulated to several countries in Paraguay.
In the hands of a major general, government officials and ordinary soldiers also received the news of changing the country's system. In just one week, the implementation of monarchy became the hottest news on the streets of Asuncion. Ordinary people and grassroots officials were discussing the implementation of monarchy.
Express your own opinions on the pros and cons.
What happened in Asuncion was obviously a publicity campaign by Lopez Jr. to prepare for his claim to the throne. He first created a phenomenon in the country that people support the constitutional monarchy, and then used the news of the frontline victory to pave the way for him to claim the throne.
While Asunción was discussing the constitutional monarchy, groups of scattered troops were secretly gathering. Then, while everyone was attracted by the lively situation in Asuncion, little Lopez was in the presidential palace with more than 30 people.
Meetings between senior military and political officials.
"Constitutional monarchy is the mainstream political system in today's countries. I want to change to monarchy not for personal wealth, but for the long-term interests of Paraguay. I have gathered all the generals together today just to hear your opinions on the implementation of monarchy. Feel free to speak out.
I won’t blame you for what you think in your heart.”
They naturally listened to the discussions about the monarchy in the streets. The Paraguayan generals who were working on Istigali's personal letter a few days ago also personally read it, but the first two actions may have a tentative meaning.
, and today little Lopez called everyone together to force them to make a clear statement.
“Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina followed the example of the Americans in implementing republics. As a result, warlords, big and small, are everywhere in the country. The election of the country’s president is not based on civilian votes, but which warlord is more powerful and has more troops, and which warlord comes to power.
South American countries have been independent for more than 40 years. During these 40 years, except for Brazil and our country, no large-scale rebellions occurred. Peru, Bolivia, and even Argentina, which competed with our army for Misiones Province,
Which country does not experience a political earthquake every few years? The country's president changes frequently, the country's long-term development plan cannot be continuously implemented, and the country's strength has been stagnant at the level of the past.
So I think the republican system is not suitable for the current South American continent at all, and I support the abolition of the republic and making the president the king."
Napoleon III successfully ascended to the throne of France as French President. Now France has not experienced the disastrous defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. The seemingly powerful France is truly the largest country in Europe.
France changed from a republic to a monarchy. France under the rule of Napoleon III was powerful, and its overall strength was comparable to that of the United Kingdom.
A true mirror was placed in front of the Paraguayan generals, and it was not difficult for them to make a choice.
Except for Istigali, who was unable to escape from the front line, the generals who controlled the main force of Paraguay were all in the hall, and they all clearly expressed their support for Lopez Jr. to be crowned king of Paraguay.
Six government officials attended the meeting held by Lopez Jr. as official representatives. They considered the issue more comprehensively than the generals. Paraguay has been a republic since its independence. The civilians are accustomed to the life of a republic. The sudden implementation of a monarchy may lead to domestic consequences.
The situation is chaotic.
Civilian officials are worried that Lopez has taken into account that changing the system will cause dissatisfaction among a group of vested interests, but he does not care. As long as Paraguay can continue to win under the leadership of Ta, the people at the bottom of the army will fully support him, and those old die-hards will
If they do not understand current affairs, little Lopez will not show mercy and will resolutely send troops to suppress them, distribute their land and wealth to his close subordinates, and create a new aristocratic group that supports him.
The meeting at the presidential palace was more like a formality. Except for two officials who raised some concerns, everyone else supported Lopez's decision.
After the meeting, Lopez Jr. assigned several trusted officials and generals to stay in Asunción. He led more than a dozen trusted generals to quietly meet with 5,000 troops, and then reinforced Isti.