Crossing of the Andes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Crossing of the Andes
Part of the Spanish American wars of independence
Battle of Chacabuco, fought after the Crossing of the Andes
Date January 19 to February 13, 1817 Location From Argentina to Chile Result Patriot forces successfully enter Chile
Belligerents
Army of the Andes	Spanish Royalists
Commanders and leaders
José de San Martín Miguel Estanislao Soler Bernardo O'Higgins	Francisco Marcó del Pont Mariano Osorio

The Crossing of the Andes (Spanish: Cruce de los Andes) was a super important event during the wars for independence in Argentina and Chile. It involved a combined army of soldiers from Argentina and Chilean exiles. They crossed the huge Andes mountains, which separate Argentina from Chile. This amazing journey helped to free Chile from Spanish rule.

The army was led by José de San Martín. They started their journey from Mendoza, Argentina, in January 1817. The tough trip across the mountains took 21 days. The soldiers had to deal with heights of about 3,000 meters (almost 10,000 feet)! This crossing is often compared to famous military movements like Hannibal's or Napoleon's crossing of the Alps. It's seen as one of the greatest military feats ever.

Why the Crossing of the Andes Was Important

The Crossing of the Andes was a key part of a bigger plan by José de San Martín. His goal was to defeat the royalist forces in their main stronghold, Lima, which was then part of the Viceroyalty of Perú. This would help secure independence for many South American countries from Spain.

The idea of crossing the Andes was not new. Secret groups who wanted South America to be free had thought of it before. San Martín learned about this plan when he was briefly in Britain. He realized that attacking Lima directly through Upper Peru would be very difficult. So, he decided to go with the plan to cross the Andes instead.

Chile had tried to become independent in 1810, starting a period called Patria Vieja. But in 1814, they were defeated in the battle of Rancagua. This led to a period called the Reconquista, where Chile became a royalist stronghold again. Many Chilean leaders, like Bernardo O'Higgins, had to flee to Mendoza. That's why O'Higgins and other Chilean exiles joined San Martín's Army of the Andes.

How the Army Prepared for the Crossing

The city of Mendoza became a busy center for preparing the army before the crossing. The people of Mendoza helped their soldiers a lot. They made gunpowder and ammunition. They even learned how to make cannons!

The main food for the army was a local dish called valdiviano. It was made with dried meat, also known as charqui, raw onion slices, potatoes, and boiling water. Special soldiers were in charge of carrying the food. They transported a huge amount of supplies, including:

• Forty tons of charqui (dried meat)
• Maize cakes
• More meat
• Brandy, to help with the cold nights
• Garlic and onion, to help with loss of appetite
• Over 4,000 cattle for the rest of the journey
• Cheese and rum

The Journey Across the Mountains

On the morning of January 19, 1817, San Martín and his army left their base camp called El Plumerillo. They started their incredible journey across the Andes Mountain range. San Martín began with 4,000 men, but sadly, about a third of them were lost during the difficult crossing. Around 1,200 helpers also joined the army.

To make the crossing easier, San Martín divided his army into two main groups:

• The main division: This group traveled through a pass called Paso de Los Patos. It was led by San Martín himself, along with Miguel Estanislao Soler and Bernardo O'Higgins.
• The secondary troop: This group took a more southern route through the Uspallata Pass. It was led by Juan Gregorio de Las Heras.

Reaching Their Goal in Chile

General San Martin and General O'Higgins leading the crossing of the Andes, painting by Julio Vila y Prades

On February 13, 1817, San Martín, O’Higgins, and their army successfully reached Santiago, Chile. They had crossed 500 kilometers (about 310 miles) of mountains, and their long journey finally ended.

The royalist forces had moved north to avoid San Martín's army. However, one royalist leader stayed behind with 1,500 men. He planned to attack in a valley called Chacabuco, which was close to Santiago. This led to the start of the famous Battle of Chacabuco.

A Lasting Legacy

In 2010, the Argentine and Chilean armies recreated the historic crossing. They did this to celebrate 200 years since the start of the revolution.

See also

In Spanish: Cruce de los Andes para niños

• Chilean Independence
• Argentina–Chile relations
• Revolución: El cruce de los Andes