Battle of Campichuelo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Campichuelo
Part of Paraguay campaign
Military operations in Paraguay (in Spanish)
Date 19 December 1810 Location Campichuelo, near Encarnación, Paraguay Result United Provinces victory
Belligerents
United Provinces of South America	Royalist Paraguay
Commanders and leaders
Manuel Belgrano	Pablo Thompson
Strength
800 soldiers	500 soldiers

The Battle of Campichuelo was a fight that happened on December 19, 1810. It was part of the Paraguay campaign during the Argentine War of Independence. This battle was fought between revolutionary forces, led by Manuel Belgrano, and royalist troops. The royalists were people who supported the Spanish king. The battle took place near the Paraná River. Manuel Belgrano's forces won this battle.

Why the Battle Happened

The Primera Junta (First Council) was the new government in Buenos Aires. They believed that most people in Paraguay wanted to rebel against the Spanish governor, Bernardo de Velasco. So, on September 24, 1810, they decided to send an army to Paraguay. General Manuel Belgrano was chosen to lead this army. He was also made governor of the Banda Oriental, which is now Uruguay.

Crossing the River

The royalist forces in Paraguay had removed all the boats from the Paraná River. This made it very hard for Belgrano's army to cross. So, Belgrano's soldiers had to build their own boats. They made boats from leather, used some canoes, and built large wooden rafts. These rafts were strong enough to carry 60 men and four cannons.

The river was very wide, about 1000 meters across. The strong river current would carry them downstream. They aimed to land at Campichuelo hill, about a league and a half (around 7-8 kilometers) away.

The Battle Begins

The crossing started late at night on December 18, at 11:00 PM. A small group of 12 soldiers went first. They surprised the enemy, capturing two prisoners and some weapons.

The main crossing happened early the next morning, on December 19. It began at 3:00 AM and finished by 6:00 AM. Major General Machain was in charge of this main crossing. The revolutionary forces successfully crossed the river. They forced the royalist soldiers to leave their positions.

Forces Involved

Manuel Belgrano's army was operating from Santa Maria de la Candelaria. This area is now part of Misiones Province in Argentina. They also used nearby places in the Argentine province of Corrientes.

Belgrano led a smaller force of about 800 men. Half of them were cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and half were infantry (soldiers on foot). They also had six small cannons. They faced a royalist force of 500 men, led by Pablo Thompson.

Before the attack, Belgrano sent a message to the royalists. He asked them to join the revolutionary side. But the royalists refused. So, Belgrano attacked their forces and defeated them. This battle was a victory for Belgrano's revolutionary army.

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  Learn more about the Battle of Campichuelo in Spanish!