Battle of Puruarán facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Puruarán
Part of the Mexican War of Independence
A painting of the capture of Mariano Matamoros y Guridi by the royalist soldier, Eusebio Rodríguez at the Battle of Puruarán.
Date 5 January 1814 Location Puruarán, Michoacán, Mexico Result Spanish Royalist victory
Belligerents
Mexican Rebels	Spanish Empire
Commanders and leaders
Mariano Matamoros y Guridi  (POW)	Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Arámburu Ciriaco del Llano
Strength
1,000 soldiers	Unknown
Casualties and losses
660 23 cannons 1,000 muskets	Unknown (low)

The Battle of Puruarán was an important fight during the Mexican War of Independence. It happened on January 5, 1814, near a place called Puruarán in Michoacán, Mexico.

This battle was between two main groups. One group was the Royalists. They were soldiers loyal to the King of Spain. The other group was the Mexican rebels. These rebels were fighting for Mexico's freedom from the Spanish Empire.

The Mexican rebels were led by Mariano Matamoros y Guridi. The Spanish forces were led by Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Arámburu and Ciriaco del Llano. Agustín de Iturbide later became an emperor of Mexico. The battle was very short, lasting about one hour. The Spanish Royalists won this battle.

The Battle Begins

This battle was a big defeat for the Mexican rebels. The royalist army was smaller, but they won easily. They caused many losses for the rebels.

The Mexican commander, Mariano Matamoros, tried to escape. But a young royalist soldier named Eusebio Rodríguez captured him. The rebels lost most of their soldiers. They also lost 23 cannons and about 1,000 muskets to the Spanish.

What Happened Next

After the battle, the Mexican rebels tried to save General Matamoros. He was a very important leader, second only to José María Morelos. They asked the Spanish government in New Spain to trade Matamoros. They offered to give back 200 Spanish soldiers they had captured.

However, the Spanish leaders said no to the trade. They decided that Matamoros would be put to death. This happened on February 3, 1814.

See also

• Mexican War of Independence
• Mariano Matamoros y Guridi
• José María Morelos