Battle of Ayacucho

The Battle of Ayacucho (Spanish: Batalla de Ayacucho, ) was a decisive military encounter during the Peruvian War of Independence. It was the battle that secured the independence of Peru and ensured independence for the rest of South America. It is considered the end of the Spanish American wars of independence.

As of late 1824, Royalists still had control of most of the south of Peru as well as of Real Felipe Fort in the port of Callao. On December 9, 1824, the Battle of Ayacucho (Battle of La Quinua) took place at Pampa de La Quinua, a few kilometers away from Ayacucho, near the town of Quinua between Royalist and Independentist forces. Independentist forces were led by Antonio José de Sucre, Simón Bolívar's lieutenant. Viceroy José de la Serna was wounded, and after the battle second commander-in-chief José de Canterac signed the final capitulation of the Royalist army.

The modern Peruvian Army celebrates the anniversary of this battle.

Read more about Battle Of Ayacucho:  Background, Buenos Aires Truce and Callao Revolt, Ayacucho Campaign, Upper Peru After The Battle of Ayacucho and The Birth of Bolivia

Famous quotes containing the word battle:

    The easiest period in a crisis situation is actually the battle itself. The most difficult is the period of indecision—whether to fight or run away. And the most dangerous period is the aftermath. It is then, with all his resources spent and his guard down, that an individual must watch out for dulled reactions and faulty judgment.
    Richard M. Nixon (1913–1995)