Battle of Yavi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Yavi |
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| Part of Argentine War of Independence | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United Provinces of South America |
 Spanish Empire |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Marquis of Yavi |
Pedro Antonio de Olañeta |
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The Battle of Yavi was an important fight during Argentina's struggle for independence from Spain. It happened on November 15, 1816. This battle is sometimes called "the Surprise at Yavi."
Contents
What Was the Battle of Yavi?
The Battle of Yavi was a key moment in the Argentine War of Independence. This war was fought to free Argentina from Spanish rule. The battle took place in what is now Jujuy Province.
Why Was This Battle Important?
The battle was a big win for the Spanish forces. They were called "Royalists" because they supported the King of Spain. The Argentine forces, fighting for independence, were called "Independentists."
When the Royalists won, the northern border of Argentina became open. This allowed Spanish armies to invade the provinces of Salta and Jujuy.
Who Fought in the Battle?
The main groups fighting were the Independentists from the United Provinces of South America and the Royalists from the Spanish Empire.
Independentist Leaders
The Independentist troops at Yavi were led by Juan José Feliciano Alejo Fernández Campero. He was also known as the Marquis of Yavi. He was a wealthy landowner who chose to support the revolution. He commanded the eastern part of General Martín Miguel de Güemes's army.
Royalist Leaders
The Spanish forces were led by several important officers. These included Pedro Antonio de Olañeta, Juan Guillermo de Marquieguy, and Field Marshal José de la Serna.
What Happened After Yavi?
After the defeat at Yavi, the Independentist army, known as the Army of the North, was weakened. The government in Buenos Aires had to change its plans.
New Strategies for Independence
Instead of fighting mainly in the north, they decided to focus on another path. General José de San Martín took command of the fight through the Pacific side. This meant going through present-day Chile.
Meanwhile, in the northern provinces, Martín Miguel de Güemes led a special kind of war. He was a local leader, or caudillo, from Salta. He used guerrilla tactics. This meant his fighters, often called gauchos, would make quick attacks and then disappear. This helped keep the Spanish army busy and stopped them from moving further south.
This fight in the north became famous. It is now known as La Guerra Gaucha, or "The Gaucho War." This name comes from a book written much later in 1905.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Yavi para niños
