Battle of Las Piedras (1811) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Las Piedras
Part of the Spanish American wars of independence
Surrender of Posadas at Las Piedras, by Juan Manuel Blanes
Date May 18, 1811 Location Near Las Piedras, Uruguay Result Revolutionary victory
Belligerents
Spain Royalist Army of Montevideo	Criollos Orientales allies of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata
Commanders and leaders
José Posadas  (POW)	José Gervasio Artigas Manuel Francisco Artigas
Strength
Official Report: 668 600 cavalrymen 350 infantrymen 64 gunners with 4 pieces 2 4 inch cannons 2 64 mm mortars Acevedo's Estimation: ~1,004 ~500 infantrymen ~450 cavalrymen ~54 gunners with 4 pieces	Official Report: 1,076 600 cavalrymen (250 mounted regiment and 296 gauchos in two squadrons) 454 infantrymen (108 militia, 250 from the Patricios' Regiment and 96 Blandengues) 20 gunners 2 cannons Acevedo's Estimation: ~1,770 ~1300 cavalrymen ~430 infantrymen ~40 gunners with 4 pieces
Casualties and losses
638 97 killed 61 wounded 480 prisoners	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.

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.

The Battle of Las Piedras by Diógenes Hequet

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