Battle of Carabobo
Campo de Carabobo, near Tocuyito, Carabobo state, Venezuela
What happened
The patriot army led by Simón Bolívar and José Antonio Páez, including the British Legion, fought the Spanish royalist army under Miguel de la Torre. Bolívar split his army and sent half on a long march around the royalists' side. The British Legion took key hills, and the patriot cavalry broke through the royalist centre. The royalist main army was defeated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The victory made sure Venezuela would be independent from Spain. It helped create the Republic of Gran Colombia.
What came next
The last royalist stronghold in Venezuela, Puerto Cabello, fell in November 1823. 24 June is now celebrated in Venezuela as Carabobo Day, also called Army Day.
Did you know?
Bolívar later praised the British Legion soldiers as the 'Saviors of my Fatherland'.
Timeline
- 24 June 1821The patriots win at Carabobo.
- 24 July 1823A patriot fleet wins the Battle of Lake Maracaibo.
- November 1823Páez takes Puerto Cabello, the last royalist stronghold.