“The Liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru.” That is one of the nicknames of General José de San Martín. He was indeed a key figure in South America’s fight for independence from the Spanish Empire.
Born in Yapeyú, Argentina, San Martín’s journey took him to Spain. He took part in the Peninsular War against Napoleon. But South America called to him. In 1812, he sailed to Buenos Aires. He offered his services to the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata.
In Buenos Aires, San Martín began to shape his destiny. He formed the Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers. This cavalry unit would become famous. San Martín’s military skills were soon recognized.
San Martín understood the strategic importance of defeating the Spanish in Peru. He devised a bold plan. He would create an army in Mendoza. Then he would cross the Andes into Chile. From Chile, he would sail to Peru. This would avoid the difficult path through Upper Peru.
San Martín became Governor of Cuyo province to carry out his plan. He began organizing the Army of the Andes. He drafted citizens and even slaves into military service. The economy was reorganized for war production.
San Martín knew that declaring independence was crucial. It would show the world that they were not rebels. They were a sovereign nation. The Congress of Tucumán declared independence on July 9, 1816.
To bolster his forces, San Martín extended emancipation to more slaves. They could even rise in military ranks. By the end of 1816, the Army of the Andes was ready. It had 5,000 men, mules, and horses.
Crossing the Andes was a feat. The army was divided into columns. They took different paths to confuse the Spanish. The soldiers carried dried food. They also took garlic and onions to combat altitude sickness.
San Martín’s army triumphed at the Battle of Chacabuco in Chile. This secured Chile’s independence. He then set his sights on Peru. He declared Peruvian independence on July 28, 1821. He was appointed Protector of Peru.
A meeting with Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil was significant. They discussed the future of Peru. But they disagreed on how to organize the new governments. San Martín favored constitutional monarchies. Bolívar preferred republics.
San Martín resigned as Protector of Peru. He left Bolívar to finish the liberation. He sailed to France. His leadership helped shape South America. Statues of San Martín stand in cities across Argentina, Chile, and Peru. He remains a symbol of freedom and independence.