Armies of the South American Caudillos

During the first half of the 19th century, the newly-formed countries of South America lived in a state of great political turmoil, since they fought against each other for defining the extension of their national territories.

Since 1825, South America has gained independence from the colonial rule of Spain and Portugal. As a result, numerous new independent countries emerged on the continent. Each of these nations developed its own military forces, characterized by unique organizational patterns and vibrant uniforms. This book represents the first comprehensive work dedicated entirely to the armies of South America during the period from 1825 to 1865. It offers, for the first time in English, comprehensive details about the history, organization, uniforms, and weapons of all the armies in South America. The book covers a total of ten countries: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. The historical period between 1825 and 1865 was a critical era for South America, marked by the outbreak of several wars that significantly influenced the continent''s political map and led to the development of diverse uniform trends. This work is fully illustrated in color, featuring original uniform plates and contemporary pictures showcasing the attire of the South American military forces from 1825 to 1865.