Antonio Huachaca facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Antonio Navala Huachaca
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| Supreme Chief of the Republic of Iquicha | |
| In office 1838 – August 25, 1839 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Justice of the Peace and Governor of Carhuaucran District | |
| In office 1838 – August 25, 1839 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Antonio Huachaca
San José de Iquicha, Peru |
| Died | 1848 Apurímac, Peru |
| Occupation | Muleteer Brigadier general |
| Nickname | Great Chief of the Restorative Division of the Law |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spain (1814–1836) Peru (1834) Peru-Bolivian Confederation (1836–1839) |
| Years of service | 1814–1839 |
| Rank | Brigadier general |
| Battles/wars |
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Antonio Huachaca was a Peruvian leader from an indigenous community. He was loyal to the Spanish Empire during the time Peru was a Spanish colony, known as the Viceroyalty of Peru. He fought for Spain during and after the Peruvian War of Independence. He became a high-ranking officer, a brigadier general, in the Royal Army of Peru.
Later, he helped create the Peru–Bolivian Confederation. He held important roles like "Justice of the Peace" and "Governor of Carhuaucran District." These roles ended when the Confederation broke apart in 1839. After a defeat in Iquicha, Huachaca changed his name to José Antonio Navala Huachaca. He chose "José" to honor Antonio José de Sucre and "Navala" to refer to the Peruvian Navy. Even after his armies were defeated, he continued fighting as a guerrilla leader until 1839.
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Who Was Antonio Huachaca?
Antonio Huachaca was born in San José de Santillana, also called San José de Iquicha, in the late 1700s. The exact date is not known. He grew up as a muleteer, someone who transports goods using mules. He could not read or write.
He had at least two brothers, Prudencio and Pedro, who fought alongside him. Both died in battle. Huachaca was very popular among the local farmers. He often led them in protests against unfair taxes and abuses by government officials.
Huachaca's Military Start
Huachaca began his military career in 1814. He fought against a rebellion from Cuzco, supporting the Spanish king's representatives. He became a guerrilla chief, leading small groups of fighters. For his actions, he was given the rank of brigadier general in the Royal Army. One important battle was the defense of Huanta in October 1814. Huachaca and his people successfully defended the city against a large attacking force.
Guerrilla Warfare in Peru
During the Peruvian War of Independence, many small groups of fighters, called guerrillas, emerged. Some supported independence, while others, like Huachaca, supported the Spanish king. These groups played a big role in the war.
Huachaca's forces were known for being disciplined. They mainly used slings and spears, as rifles were scarce. Some even had horses and uniforms. The fighting was often fierce, especially in the central and southern parts of Peru. The war ended with the defeat of the Spanish forces in the Battle of Ayacucho in December 1824.
The Iquicha Rebellion
After Peru gained independence, Huachaca and his people in Iquicha continued to resist the new Peruvian government. They saw the new republic as an enemy of their traditional way of life and their faith. They believed the king was sent by God to protect them.
In 1825, the indigenous people of Iquicha rebelled against the new government. They were unhappy with new taxes, like the coca tithe. In June 1826, Huachaca and another leader, Nicolás Soregui, took control of Huanta. They burned down government buildings. They even tried to take Huamanga, but were defeated.
The "Great Chief"
The rebellion continued. In November 1827, the Iquicha rebels, led by Huachaca, took Huanta again. Huachaca was named "Great Chief of the Restorative Division of the Law." His goal was to restore the old Spanish rule and remove the republicans. His army, numbering up to 4,000, attacked Ayacucho but was defeated.
After this defeat, Huanta was lost again. Many rebel leaders were captured, but Huachaca managed to escape. Sadly, after the fighting, many local people were treated very harshly by the republican troops.
The Castles of Iquicha
The fighting continued in the mountains, which the rebels used as natural fortresses. This period was known as the "guerrilla phase" or "phase of the castles of Iquicha." In August 1828, a major battle took place at Uchuraccay. Many Iquicha fighters died, including Huachaca's brother, Prudencio. Huachaca himself had to flee. Since they couldn't capture Huachaca, the victors took his wife and two sons as prisoners.
Peru's Civil Wars
Even after the Iquicha rebellion, Huachaca remained hidden but still defiant. In 1834, he and his community supported President Luis José de Orbegoso y Moncada against another leader, Agustín Gamarra. This was part of Peru's civil wars, where different political groups fought for power.
Huachaca's forces helped Orbegoso's side win important battles. Orbegoso even tried to meet with Huachaca and offered to educate one of his children to gain his loyalty. However, Huachaca did not want to become part of the new government's system.
Supporting the Peru-Bolivian Confederation
From 1828 to 1838, the Iquicha people supported the idea of the Peru–Bolivian Confederation. This was a plan to unite Peru and Bolivia. Huachaca himself fought in the wars that created this Confederation. In 1838, he became a "Justice of the Peace" and "Governor of Carhuaucran District," and also the "Supreme Chief of the Republic of Iquicha."
However, the Confederation was defeated in March 1839. Once again, Huachaca and the Iquicha people found themselves fighting against the new Peruvian government. They besieged Huanta, which was occupied by Chilean soldiers.
In June 1839, Huachaca's forces surprised the government troops in the Battle of Campamento-Oroco, forcing them to retreat. In revenge, the government troops caused great suffering to the local people.
The Treaty of Yanallay
Finally, on November 15, 1839, a peace agreement was signed. This was the Treaty of Yanallay, signed between the Peruvian government and the Iquicha forces. Huachaca's representative, Tadeo Choqe, signed the treaty. This treaty formally ended the Iquicha War. It meant that the Iquicha people would lay down their arms and respect Peru's laws.
Huachaca himself expressed his strong feelings in the document:
"Rather, you are the usurpers of Religion, Crown and Homeland [...] What has been obtained from you during your rule? Tyranny, grief, and ruin in a Kingdom that was so generous. What inhabitant, rich or poor, does not complain today? Where is the responsibility for the crimes? We do not carry such a tyranny."
Later Life and Death
After the treaty, Huachaca chose to live in the Apurimac jungle. He did not want to give up his loyalty to the monarchy. He lived there until he died in 1848. He was buried in the church of his hometown, San José de Iquicha.
See also
In Spanish: Antonio Huachaca para niños
