The territorial dispute between Ecuador and Peru was one of the most persistent and resistant to resolution of any to have occurred in the Western Hemisphere. The conflict dates from soon after two nations claimed their independence from the Spanish Empire in the early 19th century. The dispute survived World War II, outlasted the Cold War, and was the cause of three military conflicts between the disputers in the 20th century: in 1941, in 1981, and, most recently, in 1995. At present, the dispute is considered resolved. Both nations signed a peace declaration in 1998, brokered by the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, the same countries that had acted as guarantors of a previous treaty signed by Ecuador and Peru in 1942.