Contents
José de San Martín
Leading armies across the Andes and helping secure the independence of Argentina, Chile and Peru from Spanish rule.
Crossing the Andes · Battle of Maipú
- Born
- 25 February 1778
- Birthplace
- Yapeyú, Argentina
- Died
- 17 August 1850
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José de San Martín was a central leader of South America’s independence wars. After serving in Spain’s army, he returned to the Río de la Plata and organised a campaign that linked the liberation of Chile with an advance on Peru.
Early life
From Yapeyú to Spain
Born in the Spanish viceroyalty, he moved to Spain with his family as a child.
Military training
Entered the Spanish army as a young cadet and served in campaigns in Europe and North Africa.
Career
- 1812–1814
Return to South America
Organised mounted troops, fought at San Lorenzo and took command in northern Argentina.
- 1814–1818
Army of the Andes
As governor of Cuyo, prepared the Andean crossing and campaigns in Chile.
- 1820–1822
Peruvian campaign
Led an expedition to Peru, proclaimed independence in Lima and served as Protector before stepping aside.
Major campaigns
Crossing the Andes
Moved an army over difficult mountain routes to strike Spanish royalist forces in Chile.
Battle of Maipú
Victory alongside Chilean forces consolidated Chilean independence.
Peruvian independence
Proclaimed independence in Lima, although the wider war continued.
Beyond command
Guayaquil meeting
Met Simón Bolívar in 1822 before withdrawing from command; the private discussions remain debated.
Later life in Europe
Moved to Europe with his daughter Mercedes and eventually settled in France, where he died in 1850.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Institutional biography and research ↗Photo: The exact author is disputed. Some sources attribute it to Jean Baptiste Madou, others to the art teacher of San Martin's daughter, and others suspect it to be the work of many different people.; historical depiction, not a contemporary photograph. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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