Argentine War of Independence

Argentine War of Independence
Part of the Spanish American wars of independence
Date 18 May 1810 – 5 April 1818 (7 years, 10 months, 2 weeks and 3 days) Location Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia Result Argentine victory Emancipation from Spanish colonial rule
Belligerents
Patriots: United Provinces of the Río de la Plata Orientals Chile Republiqueta	Royalists Spanish Monarchy Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata Viceroyalty of Peru
Commanders and leaders
Manuel Belgrano José de San Martín Martín Miguel de Güemes  † Juan José Castelli José Gervasio Artigas William Brown Carlos María de Alvear	Bernardo de Velasco José Manuel de Goyeneche Joaquín de la Pezuela Pedro Antonio Olañeta  † Santiago de Liniers   Vicente Nieto

The Argentine War of Independence was a conflict from 1810 to 1818 where regions of modern-day Argentina sought freedom from Spanish rule.

Background

Before the war, Argentina was part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, which also included present-day Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The capital was Buenos Aires. During this period, many government positions were held by officials sent from Spain, leading to tensions with local-born individuals, known as Criollos. Inspired by the American Revolution and French Revolution, the Criollos wanted more autonomy. Additionally, Spain's strict trade policies limited economic growth in the colonies.

The Revolution

In 1810, news arrived that much of Spain had been invaded by French forces. This led to the May Revolution, where local leaders questioned the legitimacy of the Spanish-appointed viceroy, Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros. An open cabildo (a public meeting) was held, resulting in the removal of Cisneros and the establishment of the Primera Junta, the first local government not appointed by Spain. Buenos Aires then invited other cities in the viceroyalty to recognize this new government and send representatives.

Armed conflict

Initial campaigns

The Primera Junta organized military campaigns to assert its authority over the entire viceroyalty. However, regions like Córdoba, Montevideo, Paraguay, and Upper Peru (now Bolivia) resisted. For example, Santiago de Liniers in Córdoba attempted to challenge Buenos Aires' authority but was defeated. In Upper Peru, royalist forces loyal to Spain also opposed the new government.

Renewed offensives

After initial setbacks, patriot forces reorganized. Leaders like Manuel Belgrano and José de San Martín emerged, leading successful campaigns that shifted the momentum in favor of independence.

The march towards independence

On 9 July 1816, representatives from various provinces gathered in San Miguel de Tucumán and declared independence from Spanish rule, forming the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata.

Army of the Andes (1814–1818)

General José de San Martín formed the Army of the Andes to liberate Chile and Peru from Spanish control. In 1817, this army crossed the Andes Mountains, a major military achievement, and played a crucial role in the independence movements of neighboring countries.

Annual commemoration

Argentina celebrates May 25 as Revolution Day (Argentina) to honor the events of the May Revolution in 1810. Additionally, July 9 is celebrated as Independence Day (Argentina), marking the formal declaration of independence in 1816.