Battle of Curapalihue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Curapalihue |
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| Part of the Chilean War of Independence and the Argentine War of Independence | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Chile United Provinces |
 Spanish Monarchy |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Juan de Las Heras |
Juan José Campillo |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 600 | 500 infantry 100 cavalry |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Minimal | 10 killed 7 captured |
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The Battle of Curapalihue happened on April 4, 1817, in Chile. It was a small but important fight during the South American wars for independence. In these wars, people in South America fought against Spain to become independent countries. This battle was between the South American rebels, also called patriots, and the Spanish royalists. The royalists were people who wanted to stay under Spanish rule. The rebels won this battle.
Why the Battle Happened
After losing a big battle called Chacabuco, the Spanish royalist forces gathered near a city named Concepción. Their leader was Colonel José Ordóñez. Meanwhile, General José de San Martín, a key leader of the rebel army, sent Colonel Juan Gregorio de Las Heras and his soldiers south. Colonel Las Heras's job was to move his division (a group of soldiers) towards the royalist forces. When Colonel Ordóñez found out the rebel army was getting close, he decided to try a surprise attack on them at night.
The Fight at Curapalihue
The Spanish forces were led by Lieutenant Colonel Juan José Campillo. They had about 500 foot soldiers and 100 cavalry, who are soldiers on horseback. They attacked very early in the morning, around 1:30 AM. However, their surprise plan didn't work. The rebel forces were ready for them. The Spanish soldiers had to retreat very quickly. They left behind 10 of their soldiers who were killed and 7 who were captured. The rebel forces, on the other hand, had almost no one hurt or killed. This quick victory was a good step for the rebel army in their fight for independence.
See also
In Spanish: Combate de Curapalihue para niños
