Battle of Caseros
El Palomar, near Buenos Aires, Argentina
What happened
The 'Grand Army' of Justo José de Urquiza, with troops from Entre Ríos, Corrientes, Brazil and Uruguay, fought the army of Juan Manuel de Rosas, ruler of the Argentine Confederation. Rosas had dominated Argentina for many years. Urquiza, governor of Entre Ríos, broke with him and gathered an allied army of about 24,000 men.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended Rosas's rule and opened the way to Argentina's national constitution. Urquiza became the first constitutional president of Argentina in 1854.
What came next
The Argentine Constitution was adopted in 1853. Fighting between Buenos Aires and the other provinces continued on and off until 1880.
Did you know?
The round 'Palomar' building, once used to raise pigeons and captured during the battle, still stands at the National Military College built on the battlefield.
Timeline
- 1851Urquiza breaks with Rosas.
- 3 February 1852Urquiza's allies win at Caseros.
- 1853The Argentine Constitution is adopted.
- March 1854Urquiza becomes the first constitutional president.