Chilean War of Independence Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
The Chilean War of Independence (1810 - 1818) was part of San Martin's War in South America. Argentine and Chilean forces of almost 5,000, led by generals José de San Martín and Bernardo O'Higgins, crossed the Andes (January 1817), defeated Spanish and colonial forces at Chacabuco (February 12, 1817), and then took Santiago (February 15, 1817).At Cancha-Rayada (March 16, 1818), José de San Martín's forces were defeated by Spanish and colonial forces; the revolutionary army won a decisive contest on the Battle of Maipú (April 5, 1818), with minor revolutionary casualties; Spain's casualties were 1,000 and more than 2,000 captured; Spanish forces then retreated to Peru. Chilean independence was formally proclaimed on February 12, 1818.