Battle of Boyacá facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Boyacá |
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| Part of Bolívar's campaign to liberate New Granada | |||||||
 Battle of Boyaca, Martín Tovar y Tovar |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Venezuela New Granada British Legions |
 Royalists |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Simón Bolívar Francisco Santander |
José Barreiro (POW) |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 2,850 | 2,670 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 13 killed 53 wounded |
100 killed 150 wounded 1,600 captured |
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The Battle of Boyacá was a very important fight in 1819. It was the battle that truly won freedom for New Granada. New Granada is mostly the country of Colombia today. This victory was a huge step for independence in northern South America. It also helped lead to other big wins in Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru.
After this battle, New Granada finally became fully independent from Spain. Even though some fighting continued, this was the main turning point. Two brave generals, Francisco de Paula Santander and José Antonio Anzoátegui, led the army that won. They defeated the Spanish forces in just two hours. The battle happened about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Bogotá. This area is now part of the Boyacá Department.
What Happened During the Battle?
On August 7, 1819, a big battle took place. The Patriot army, led by Simón Bolívar, was heading towards Bogotá. Bogotá was the capital city and not well protected. Capturing it would be a huge win for the Patriots.
The Spanish forces started marching early in the morning. They walked about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) in over seven hours. Meanwhile, General Santander's Patriot forces also began their march. They covered 16 kilometers (10 miles) in four hours.
The Patriot army split into two groups. The first group reached a place called Casa de Teja around 1:30 p.m. The second group stopped a little behind to rest. Soon, a Patriot captain saw the Spanish army. The Spanish also saw him. They thought it was just a small group.
The Spanish army crossed a key bridge over the Teatinos River. They got ready to fight there. But then, the main Patriot army arrived. The Spanish army's second group was still far behind. So, the Patriots blocked the way between the two Spanish groups. The Spanish second group was outnumbered. They had to retreat to a small hill.
Simón Bolívar's main forces arrived. His army had about 2,850 to 2,900 soldiers. He ordered an attack on the side of the Spanish second group. Some battalions attacked from the right. The British Legions and Rifles Battalion attacked from the left. The British Legion was a special group of British and Irish soldiers. They helped the Patriots win many important battles.
The Spanish army got ready to fight. They had cannons in the middle and cavalry (soldiers on horses) on the sides. The Rifles Battalion attacked the Spanish cannons. The Spanish second group started to retreat. They didn't know where to go. Bolívar then ordered his lancers (soldiers with long spears) to attack the Spanish soldiers in the middle. Some Spanish cavalry rode away from the battle.
The Spanish commander, Barreiro, tried to join his other forces. But the Patriot army fired heavily at him. Barreiro and his soldiers had to surrender.
Meanwhile, the first Patriot group crossed the river. They attacked the back of the Spanish first group. The Spanish soldiers ran away. Their leader, Colonel Juan Taira, was left behind on the bridge. The battle ended shortly after 4:00 p.m.
About 1,600 Spanish soldiers were captured. Many Spanish commanders, including Barreiro, were also captured. This victory made sure New Granada was free. The road to Bogotá was open, and the city was almost unprotected. After the battle, Santander and Anzoátegui were promoted to high general ranks.
The bridge where the battle happened, called el Puente de Boyacá, is no longer used for traffic. But it is kept as an important symbol of independence for South America.
Why Was This Battle Important?
The Battle of Boyacá had many big effects:
- It was the final defeat for the Spanish forces in New Granada. This weakened Spain's power in all of America.
- It ended Spain's control over these American provinces. The Spanish leader, Viceroy Juan de Samano, had to escape.
- It led to the creation of Gran Colombia. This was a large country that included modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.
- It started a new era of self-government in the former Spanish areas.
- It helped lead to the later independence of Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, and the creation of Bolivia.
Viceroy Juan de Samano heard about the defeat and managed to get away. This ended the Spanish Empire's rule in northern Latin America. To remember this important battle, August 7 is a national holiday in Colombia. Every four years on this date, the new President of Colombia is officially announced.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Boyacá para niños
