Battle of Araure facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Araure |
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| Part of the Venezuelan War of Independence (Military career of Simón Bolívar) |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Patriots |  Royalists |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Simón Bolívar | Domingo de Monteverde |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 3,000 infantry n/a cavalry |
3,500-5,000 infantry 500 cavalry |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| n/a dead | n/a dead or wounded | ||||||
The Battle of Araure was an important fight during the Venezuelan War of Independence. It happened on December 5, 1813, in the city of Araure, Portuguesa State, Venezuela. This battle was part of the short-lived Second Republic of Venezuela.
In this battle, the forces led by Simón Bolívar won a big victory. They defeated General Juan Domingo de Monteverde, who had forced Bolívar to surrender the year before. That earlier event was the Siege of Puerto Cabello in July 1812.
The Battle Begins
The actual fighting started early in the morning on December 5. It lasted for about six hours. It was clear that the Royalist troops had more soldiers than the Venezuelan Patriots. The Royalists were loyal to Spain and wanted to keep Venezuela as a Spanish colony. The Patriots wanted Venezuela to be an independent country.
The Royalists had between 3,500 and 5,000 soldiers. They were led by José Ceballos. The Patriots, under Bolívar's command, had fewer troops. Even with fewer soldiers, the Patriots fought bravely and won the battle.
Bolívar's Message to His Troops
After the victory, Bolívar praised his soldiers. He told them how proud he was of their courage. He even gave a special name to one of their groups.
Bolívar said:
Your valor has earned yesterday a name for your corps, and through the midst of the fighting, when I saw you succeed, I named you the Victorious Battalion of Araure. You removed the enemy's flags in the moment of your victory; you have earned the famous, invincible call of Numantia.
This quote shows how much Bolívar admired his troops' bravery. He called them the "Victorious Battalion of Araure." He compared their fighting spirit to the ancient city of Numantia, known for its strong resistance.
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