Jose de San Martin

San Martín led the Granaderos a Caballo regiment to victory against Spanish forces at San Lorenzo, Argentina. This was his first major action in the Argentine War of Independence, securing the Paraná River region and establishing his reputation as a military commander.

San Martín was appointed governor of Cuyo Province in western Argentina. He organized the Army of the Andes, secured local support, and prepared for the liberation of Chile, using Mendoza as his base for the trans-Andean campaign.

San Martín led the Army of the Andes across the Andes Mountains from Argentina into Chile, a 21-day march over high passes. The surprise crossing enabled the liberation of Chile from Spanish rule, culminating in the Battle of Chacabuco.

San Martín's forces defeated the Spanish royalist army at Chacabuco, Chile. The victory allowed the patriots to enter Santiago and declare Chilean independence, though Spanish resistance continued in the south.

San Martín decisively defeated the Spanish army at Maipú, Chile, securing Chilean independence. The battle ended major Spanish military operations in Chile and allowed San Martín to focus on the liberation of Peru.

San Martín led a naval and land expedition from Chile to Peru, landing at Paracas. He employed a strategy of blockading Lima and negotiating with royalists, avoiding a major battle, which led to the Spanish evacuation of Lima in 1821.

San Martín proclaimed the independence of Peru from Spanish rule in Lima. He assumed the title of Protector of Peru, but his government faced internal divisions and economic challenges, leading to his resignation in 1822.

San Martín met Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil to discuss the future of South American independence. The meeting resulted in San Martín's decision to resign and leave Bolívar in charge of completing the liberation of Peru, as they disagreed on governance and strategy.