Battle of Concón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Concón |
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| Part of the Chilean Civil War of 1891 | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Congressist Rebels |
Balmaceda Government |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Estanislao del Canto | Orozimbo Barbosa | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 9,500 soldiers cruiser Esmeralda corvette O'Higgins |
8,000 soldiers | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 400 killed 600 wounded |
2,200 killed and wounded 2,000 captured |
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The Battle of Concón was a very important fight during the Chilean Civil War of 1891. It happened on August 21, 1891. This battle was between the forces loyal to the President, Jose Manuel Balmaceda, and the forces supporting the Congress of Chile. The Congress wanted more power, and this disagreement led to a war.
What Happened Before the Battle?
In the middle of August 1891, the rebel forces, who supported the Congress, got ready. They had about 9,000 soldiers. These soldiers sailed south from a city called Iquique. Their sea journey was very well planned.
On August 10, the Congress's army landed at Quintero. This place was about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Valparaiso. It was far enough away from Valparaiso's defense cannons. From Quintero, the rebel army marched towards Concón. The President's soldiers were waiting there, dug into defensive positions.
The Battle Begins
President Balmaceda was surprised by the rebels' landing. But he quickly got his forces ready. The first big fight happened at the Aconcagua river in Concón on August 21.
The Congressional army's infantry (foot soldiers) were very eager to fight. They managed to cross the river. Then, they bravely attacked the high ground where President Balmaceda's soldiers were defending.
The Outcome
A tough fight followed. President Balmaceda's troops were defeated and suffered heavy losses. About 1,600 of Balmaceda's soldiers were killed or wounded. Also, nearly all of the 1,500 prisoners taken by the rebels decided to join the rebel army.
This meant the rebel army actually grew stronger. Even though they lost about 1,000 soldiers (killed and wounded), they gained more new fighters from the captured soldiers. This victory was a big step for the Congress's forces in the civil war.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Concón para niños
- Chilean Civil War of 1891
