Battle of Cotagaita facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Cotagaita
Part of Bolivian War of Independence Argentine War of Independence
Date October 27, 1810 Location Santiago de Cotagaita, Bolivia 20°49′3.87″S 65°39′35.24″W / 20.8177417°S 65.6597889°W / -20.8177417; -65.6597889 Result Royalist victory
Belligerents
Provinces of the Río de la Plata Republiquetas	Spanish Empire Viceroyalty of Peru
Commanders and leaders
Antonio González Balcarce Juan José Castelli	José Fernando de Abascal y Sousa

The Battle of Cotagaita was an important fight during the wars for independence in South America. It happened on October 27, 1810. This battle was part of the larger Argentine War of Independence and the Bolivian War of Independence. It was the first time the Army of the North, sent by the government in Buenos Aires, fought against the Royalists in the region called Alto Perú (which is now Bolivia). The battle took place near the town of Santiago de Cotagaita, in what is now the Potosí Department of Bolivia. The Royalists won this battle.

What Was the Battle of Cotagaita?

The Battle of Cotagaita was the first small fight for the Army of the North. This army was sent by the Primera Junta government in Buenos Aires. The Junta was a group of leaders who wanted independence from Spain. They sent the army to Alto Perú to fight against the Royalists. Royalists were people loyal to the King of Spain.

Who Were the Leaders?

The Spanish King's representative, called the Viceroy of Perú, chose General José Manuel de Goyeneche to lead the Royalist forces in Alto Perú. Along with Vicente Nieto, another important Spanish leader, they set up a military base in Cotagaita. This base was led by Frigate Captain José de Córdoba y Rojas.

However, many towns in the area started to declare their independence. Cochabamba declared independence on September 14, and Oruro followed on September 24. These towns supported the new government in Buenos Aires. This left the Royalist forces in Cotagaita feeling alone and surrounded.

Who Fought in the Battle?

The Royalist forces were made up of different groups of soldiers:

• The Potosí battalion, led by Indalecio González de Socasa.
• The Puno battalion.
• Veterans of Borbón.
• The King's Volunteers.
• Dragoons (soldiers on horseback) from Chichas.
• Lancers (soldiers with spears) from Cinti.

The revolutionary forces, fighting for independence, included:

• The first battalion, led by Gregorio Perdiel.
• The sixth battalion, led by Carlos Forest.
• The Hunters battalion, led by Manuel Dorrego.
• The Blandengues battalion, led by Abraham González.
• The Husars Regiment, led by Martín Miguel de Güemes.

How Did the Battle Happen?

The attack started very early in the morning. The revolutionary forces tried to push the Royalists out of their strong positions, which were like trenches. The fighting lasted until 2 PM that same day.

The revolutionary forces, led by General Antonio González Balcarce, could not make the Royalists leave their defenses. Because of this, Balcarce decided to pull his troops back in an organized way. The Royalists did not chase them.

What Happened After the Battle?

After the Battle of Cotagaita, the revolutionary forces had to retreat. They went back towards Tupiza and then to Suipacha. They needed to wait for more soldiers and supplies to arrive. Later, at the Battle of Suipacha, they won their first big victory against the Royalists.

See also

In Spanish: Combate de Cotagaita para niños