Battle of Las Piedras (1811) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Las Piedras |
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Part of the Spanish American wars of independence | |||||||
![]() Surrender of Posadas at Las Piedras, by Juan Manuel Blanes |
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negligible |
The Battle of Las Piedras was an important fight for Uruguay's independence. It happened on May 18, 1811. This battle was a big win for the people fighting for freedom from Spain.
Contents
Why Did the Battle Happen?
The Start of the Revolution
In 1810, a big change happened in Buenos Aires. This was called the May Revolution. It forced the Spanish rulers to leave Buenos Aires. But they still controlled the Banda Oriental, which is now Uruguay. The Spanish moved their main government office to Montevideo.
Artigas Leads the Fight
In April 1811, a revolutionary leader named José Gervasio Artigas returned to the Banda Oriental. He had about 180 men with him. These men were given to him by the government in Buenos Aires. On April 11, Artigas made a special announcement. He took charge of the revolution.
Spanish Response
The Spanish Governor in Montevideo was Francisco Javier de Elío. He put a naval officer named José Posadas in charge of the Spanish forces. Posadas set up his base in San Isidro Labrador de Las Piedras. This place was close to Montevideo. He wanted to have a big battle against the revolutionaries there.
The Battle of Las Piedras
Armies Prepare
José Artigas and his army were camped near Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. He had about a thousand men. Posadas's Spanish army had 1230 men. But during the battle, about 200 of Posadas's soldiers switched sides to join Artigas.
The Fight and Victory
The battle took place on May 18 in Las Piedras. It was a complete victory for the revolutionaries. José Posadas and his forces surrendered.
After the battle, Artigas said something very famous: "Curad a los heridos, clemencia para los vencidos." This means "Cure the injured, mercy to the vanquished." This was a very unusual and kind decision for that time. He made sure the Spanish wounded soldiers and prisoners were treated well. Sadly, one of Artigas's own family members, his nephew Manuel Artigas, was hurt in the battle.
It's interesting that both armies fought in the name of King Ferdinand VII of Spain. Even though they were fighting each other, they both claimed loyalty to the same king.

Why Was This Battle Important?
A Crucial Win
Many historians believe that the win at Las Piedras was very important. It helped the revolution survive in Uruguay and Argentina. This was especially true after other revolutionary leaders, like General Manuel Belgrano, had lost battles in Paraguay and Paraná.
After the Battle
After this victory, the Spanish only controlled two places: Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo. Montevideo was finally captured by Carlos María de Alvear on June 20, 1814.
A National Holiday
Today, May 18 is a special holiday in Uruguay. It's a day to remember the Battle of Las Piedras. There's also a special award called the 18 May 1811 Medal that honors this important date.
See also
- First Siege of Montevideo