The War of the Triple Alliance was the bloodiest war fought in South America. Over the course of six years Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay fought against Paraguay, with the result that the latter's population was reduced by nearly 70% from 450,000 (pre-war) to 160,000.
Osprey Publishing has recently published a book about the war – ARMIES OF THE WAR OF THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 1864-70 – written by Gabriele Esposito and illustrated by Giuseppe Rava ('Men-at-Arms' series No.499 [ISBN 978 1 4728 0725 0]).
As will be obvious from the illustrations on the cover of this book, the war took place at a time when uniforms styles were changing. Some of the uniforms harked back to the days of Napoleon (e.g. bell-topped shakos, turn-backed coatees) whilst others would not have looked out of place during the American Civil War and the Franco-German War (e.g. low kepis and tunics). This was also a war where both sides used steam-powered warships, including some rudimentary ironclads.
Looking through the book I was struck by how relatively quick and easy it would be to put together some very colourful small wargames armies for this war ... and how it would make an excellent basis for a mini-campaign! It will certainly be something for me to think about as I continue to varnish and base my collection of Napoleonic figures.
Osprey Publishing has recently published a book about the war – ARMIES OF THE WAR OF THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE 1864-70 – written by Gabriele Esposito and illustrated by Giuseppe Rava ('Men-at-Arms' series No.499 [ISBN 978 1 4728 0725 0]).
As will be obvious from the illustrations on the cover of this book, the war took place at a time when uniforms styles were changing. Some of the uniforms harked back to the days of Napoleon (e.g. bell-topped shakos, turn-backed coatees) whilst others would not have looked out of place during the American Civil War and the Franco-German War (e.g. low kepis and tunics). This was also a war where both sides used steam-powered warships, including some rudimentary ironclads.
Looking through the book I was struck by how relatively quick and easy it would be to put together some very colourful small wargames armies for this war ... and how it would make an excellent basis for a mini-campaign! It will certainly be something for me to think about as I continue to varnish and base my collection of Napoleonic figures.
Freikorps do a range for this in 15mm
ReplyDeleteNigel Drury,
ReplyDeleteI knew that they used to produce figures for this conflict, but I was unaware that they still did.
Certainly something for me to look into in the near future ... once my current project is completed.
All the best,
Bob
Or maybe convert some Airfix chaps?
ReplyDeleteTradgardmastare,
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good idea ... and probably a bit cheaper as well!
All the best,
Bob
For many of the uniforms it is just a matter of painting ACW in different colours.
ReplyDeleteJames O'Connell,
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough I did a quick search through my collection of figures last night, and found some half-painted ACW Union infantry that would easily pass muster as troops of any of the Triple Alliance countries.
All the best,
Bob