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1778-1850: Just who was José de San Martín?
1778-1850: Just who was José de San Martín?
José de San Martín is the Liberator of Argentina, Chile and Peru, he was born in America, of Spanish parents, and his family returned to Spain when he was just 6 years old, however, the relationship he established with his native land It was so powerful that when the struggle for independence broke out, he did not hesitate to leave his brilliant military career in Spain to join his American compatriots.
San Martin was an Argentine general and the prime leader of the southern and central parts of South America’s successful struggle for independence from the Spanish Empire
He was born in Yapeyú, Corrientes, in modern-day Argentina, before leaving to study in Spain.
By 1808, he had been involved in the Peninsular war against France. Then he set sail for Buenos Aires as he wanted to be involved in the South American effort to free their countries from Spanish control.
Battle of San Lorenzo
Crossing of the Andes
Battle of Chacabuco
Battle of Maipú (1818), which freed Chile from royalist rule.
In 1821, after seizing partial control of Lima, San Martín was appointed Protector of Peru, and Peruvian independence was officially declared on 28 July. Simón Bolívar was a fellow liberator who continued to free the country from all rule.
San Martín is regarded as a national hero of Argentina and Peru, and one of the Liberators of Spanish South America.
There is a medal awarded in his name – The Order of the Liberator General San Martín (Orden del Libertador General San Martín) which is the highest decoration conferred by the Argentine government.
Destination : Argentina Author/Guide: Adela Basch Departure Time: 1778-1850
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