Campaign of Sucre in Upper Peru facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campaign of Sucre in Upper Peru |
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| Part of Spanish American Wars of Independence | |
Map of Bolivia and Peru early 19th century
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| Commanded by |  General Antonio José de Sucre |
| Objective | Free Upper Peru |
| Date | January to April 1825 |
| Outcome | Patriot victory |
The Campaign of Sucre in Upper Peru was an important series of military actions. It was led by the Liberator United Army of Peru. Their goal was to remove the Spanish royalists from a region called Upper Peru. This area is now known as Bolivia.
The campaign started right after the big Battle of Ayacucho. It ended when the last Spanish royalist groups gave up. This happened after a final fight known as the Battle of Tumusla. This campaign was a key part of the Spanish American Wars of Independence.
Sucre's Army Marches In
In February 1825, Marshal Antonio José de Sucre led the Liberation Army. They crossed the Desaguadero River. Their first stop was to take control of La Paz. This city is a very important place in Upper Peru.
General Jose Maria Cordova was with his Colombian division. They stayed in La Paz for about three months. Meanwhile, another part of the army moved forward. Francisco Burdett O'Connor led the Peruvian division. Their mission was to go deeper into Upper Peru, heading towards Potosí.
The Last Royalist Stand
A Spanish general named Pedro Antonio Olañeta was still fighting. He was holding out in the city of Potosí. But things were not going well for him. Half of his own soldiers decided to switch sides. They joined the independence fighters. This group was led by Colonel Medinaceli.
On April 1, 1825, Olañeta attacked his former soldiers. During the fight, Olañeta was badly wounded. He fell to the ground. His remaining soldiers then decided to surrender.
The End of the Campaign
General Olañeta died the very next day, on April 2. On that same day, Colonel Medinaceli sent a report to Marshal Sucre. This report told Sucre about the battle and Olañeta's defeat.
With Olañeta gone and his forces defeated, the military campaign officially ended. This marked a big victory for the independence movement. It helped to free Upper Peru from Spanish rule.
See also
In Spanish: Campaña de Sucre en el Alto Perú para niños
