South America (Vive l'Emperor)

History
South America has, since the wars of liberation (1810 - 1820) been dominated by its three largest countries (in land and population), Brazil, Argentina and Colombia. Following the death of Simon Bolivar in 1830 the three nations alliance began to fall apart.

The 1st Argentine - Brazillian war of 1825 - 1828 came about following the Uruguayan decleration of independence from Brazil. Argentina supported Uruguay from 1826 (when it seemed that the Uruguayans would be defeated). The war dragged on for another 2 years but ultimatly emperor Pedro sued for a peace.

In 1860 Brazil signed an agreement with the Andres de Santa Cruz, the dictator of Peru and Bolivia, to protect each others interests and protect each other in time of war. The aggreement was reluctantly accepted in Bolivia but the for the Peruvians it was the final straw. A Peruvian army led by General Ramon Castilla rebelled against the confederation, declaring Peru independent once more. Brazil honoured her aggrement and sent an army of 25,000 men to help Santa Cruz reestablish control over the region. But niether side could secure the decisive victory needed to win the war outright.