Battle of San Félix facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of San Félix
Part of Venezuelan War of Independence
Date 11 April 1817 Location Guayana Province Result Republican victory
Belligerents
Second Republic of Venezuela	Spanish Empire
Commanders and leaders
Manuel Piar	Miguel de la Torre
Units involved
1.700-2.200	1.300-1.800 2 pieces of artillery
Casualties and losses
31 killed and 65 wounded	593 killed and 497 prisoners

The Battle of San Félix was an important fight during the Venezuelan War of Independence. It happened on April 11, 1817, in a place called the Chirica mesa in Guayana Province. The battle was very quick, lasting only about half an hour. This victory was a big step for the Venezuelan forces fighting for their freedom.

Why the Battle Happened

The Venezuelan forces, also called Republicans or patriots, wanted to take control of the Guayana Province. This area was very important because it included the Orinoco River. Controlling the river meant controlling trade and travel in a large part of Venezuela.

The Goal: Control the Orinoco

Since late 1816, the Republicans had been trying to capture key towns like Angostura and Old Guayana. These towns were located along the Orinoco River. If the Republicans could take them, they would have a major advantage. However, they didn't have a strong navy, which made their efforts harder.

Manuel Piar's Strategy

In early 1817, a Venezuelan general named Manuel Piar successfully captured the missions in Caroni. These missions had been a vital supply base for the Spanish forces, who were called Royalists. After Piar took them, they became a supply base for the revolutionaries instead.

The Royalist Counter-Attack

Losing the Caroni missions was a big problem for the Royalists. Their armies were now at risk of running out of food and supplies. To fix this, Brigadier Miguel de La Torre, a Spanish commander, left Angostura. His goal was to get the missions back and secure their resources.

La Torre's Forces

La Torre marched towards the missions with about 1,600 foot soldiers (infantry), 200 horsemen (cavalry), and two cannons. He traveled through the old Guayana castles to reach the area.

The Battle Begins

On April 11, 1817, La Torre's Spanish forces met Manuel Piar's Republican army. Piar's army was made up of about 500 riflemen, 800 lancers (soldiers with long spears), 500 Indian archers, and 400 horsemen.

Republican Victory

The Republican foot soldiers were fewer in number and less experienced than the Royalists. However, the Republicans had a much stronger cavalry, especially the brave Llaneros horsemen. This strong cavalry helped them win the battle very quickly. General Piar led his troops with great skill, even though many of his officers were new to fighting.

What Happened After San Félix

The big defeat of the Royalist forces at San Félix had a quick and major impact. It sped up the surrender of Angostura, a key town. The Spanish forces abandoned Angostura just six days later, on April 17.

Importance of the Victory

Thanks to the Battle of San Félix, the Venezuelan patriots gained control of the rich Guayana territory. More importantly, they also secured the Orinoco River. This river was crucial for transportation and trade.

César Zumeta, a historian, spoke about the importance of Piar and San Félix. He said that Piar created an army and won through smart planning and bravery. He believed that Piar was the first to build a strong base for the new country. This victory made it possible to organize the Republic of Venezuela. Everything important that followed came after the success at San Félix. The Guayana campaign, and especially this battle, was one of the most significant events in Venezuela's fight for freedom.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de San Félix para niños