Battle of Zitácuaro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Zitácuaro |
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| Part of the Mexican War of Independence | |||||||
 The banner of Miguel Hidalgo, carried by the rebel forces even after his execution |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Mexican Rebels |
.svg){kind=small} Spanish Empire |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Ignacio López Rayón Ramón López Rayón |
Félix María Calleja |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 22,000 soldiers | 6,000 soldiers | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 300 dead | Unknown | ||||||
The Battle of Zitácuaro was an important fight during the Mexican War of Independence. It happened on January 2, 1812, near the city of Zitácuaro in Michoacán, Mexico. This battle was between two groups: the Mexican rebels, who wanted Mexico to be a free country, and the Spanish royalists, who were loyal to the King of Spain.
The rebel forces were led by General Ignacio López Rayón. The Spanish forces were commanded by Félix María Calleja. Even though the rebels had many more soldiers, the Spanish royalists won the battle.
Why Was Zitácuaro Important?
At this time, Mexico was called New Spain and was ruled by Spain. The Spanish leader in New Spain was called the viceroy. Viceroy Francisco Javier Venegas de Saavedra y Ramínez de Arenzana ordered his army to take back Zitácuaro.
Zitácuaro was very important because it was the home of the Suprema Junta Nacional Gubernativa. This was the main group that led the entire fight for Mexico's independence from Spain. Taking Zitácuaro would be a big blow to the rebels.
The Battle Begins
The two armies met and fought in and around the city of Zitácuaro. During the intense fighting, Ramón López Rayón, who was the younger brother of the rebel commander Ignacio López Rayón, was injured and lost an eye.
The battle lasted for many hours. Even though the rebel army had more soldiers, the Spanish forces eventually took control of the city. This was a significant victory for the Spanish royalists.
What Happened After the Battle?
After the rebels lost the battle at Zitácuaro, the members of the Suprema Junta Nacional Gubernativa had to quickly leave the city. They moved their headquarters to other towns, first to Tlalchapa and then to Sultepec. This defeat showed that the fight for independence would be long and difficult.
See Also
