The Paraguayan Rosetta Stone: New Insights into the Demographics of the Paraguayan War, 1864-1870

The demographics of the Paraguayan War (1864-1870) have long fascinated historicans and sociologists. If the oft-repeated tales of a 70 percent loss of life in Paraguay are accurate, then this war represents a singular case in modern history, one full of implications for students of militarism, gender, and culture. This study analyzes a newly discovered census from 1870 and reworks earlier censal materials. The authors conclude that the old stories of a steep loss of population during the war are basically correct.