Mariano Osorio facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency Mariano Osorio
Royal Governor of Chile
In office January 4, 1818 – April 5, 1818
Monarch	Ferdinand VII
Preceded by	José Ordóñez
Succeeded by	Position Abolished
In office October 10, 1814 – December 26, 1815
Monarch	Ferdinand VII
Preceded by	Gabino Gaínza y Fernández de Medrano (As Captain General)
Succeeded by	Francisco Marcó del Pont
Personal details
Born	1777 Seville, Spain
Died	1819 Havana, Cuba
Spouse	Joaquina de la Pezuela
Profession	Brigadier General
Military service
Allegiance	Spain
Battles/wars	Peninsular War Chilean War of Independence Battle of Rancagua Second Battle of Cancha Rayada Battle of Maipú

Mariano Osorio was an important Spanish general. He was also the Governor of Chile from 1814 to 1815. He played a big role in the Chilean War of Independence. This was when Chile fought to become free from Spain.

Mariano Osorio's Early Military Career

Mariano Osorio was born in Seville, Spain, in 1777. He joined the Spanish army. Like many soldiers of his time, his military journey began during the Peninsular War in 1808.

He started as an artillery general. He also taught mathematics at a military school. In 1810, he became the head of a military factory in Catalonia. Two years later, in 1812, he moved to Peru to join the Royal Army there.

Life in Peru and Family

In Peru, Mariano Osorio married Joaquina de la Pezuela. She was the daughter of the Peruvian Viceroy, Joaquín de la Pezuela. This marriage connected him to a powerful family in the region.

Osorio's Role in the Chilean War of Independence

Mariano Osorio became a key figure in the fight for Chile's independence. He led Spanish forces against Chilean rebels.

Victory at Rancagua

In 1814, Osorio led his troops to a major victory at the Disaster of Rancagua. Here, he defeated the forces led by important Chilean leaders, Bernardo O'Higgins and Jose Miguel Carrera. This win was a big moment for Spain.

After this victory, Osorio became the Royal Governor of Chile. His time as governor is known as the "Reconquest." During this period, Spain tried to regain full control over Chile. Osorio worked to bring back order and stop the rebel groups.

Return to Peru and Later Battles

In 1816, Osorio went back to Lima. Francisco Marcó del Pont then became the new Governor of Chile. However, Osorio returned to Chile when the Spanish forces lost the Battle of Chacabuco.

He achieved another victory for Spain at the Second Battle of Cancha Rayada on March 18, 1818. During this battle, Bernardo O'Higgins was injured.

The End of Spanish Rule in Chile

Despite Osorio's earlier successes, the Battle of Maipu was a major defeat for the Spanish army. This battle marked the end of Spanish control in most of Chile. Only a few places, like Chiloé and Valdivia, remained under Spanish rule.

After these events, Osorio traveled to Cuba. He sadly died there in 1819 from malaria.

See also

In Spanish: Mariano Osorio para niños