Regional Conflict and Demographic Patterns on the Jesuit Missions among the Guaraní in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries

Conflict between Spain and Portugal in the Rio de la Plata region during the 17th and 18th centuries had significant demographic impacts on the Jesuit missions among the Guaraní, including the spread of contagious diseases due to military mobilization. The study reveals that these missions served as both a source of manpower for campaigns and supplies, while also experiencing population decline and health challenges as a result of regional conflicts. By analyzing historical records, the research documents the militarization of the missions and its consequences on mission populations, providing insights into the complex interplay between colonial conflict and demographic patterns in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jackson, R. H. (2019). Regional Conflict and Demographic Patterns on the Jesuit Missions among the Guaraní in the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004390546