Foreign relations begin to increase in importance…

Foreign relations begin to increase in importance under López, who retains Paraguay's traditional mistrust of the surrounding states, yet lacks Francia's diplomatic adroitness.

Initially López had feared an attack by the Buenos Aires dictator Rosas.

With Brazilian encouragement, López had dropped Francia's policy of neutrality and has begun meddling in Argentine politics.

Using the slogan ''Independence or Death," Lopez declares war against Rosas in 1845 to support an unsuccessful rebellion in the Argentine province of Corrientes.

Although complications with Britain and France prevent him from moving against Paraguay, Rosas quickly establishes a porteño embargo on Paraguayan goods.