Battles & Campaigns · 1841
Battle of Ingavi
Near Viacha, Ingavi Province, Bolivia
What happened
The Bolivian army under José Ballivián fought an invading Peruvian army led by Peru's president, Agustín Gamarra. After the Peru-Bolivian Confederation broke up, Peru invaded Bolivia. Bolivia's three rival governments united under Ballivián to resist. Near Viacha, the Bolivian army defeated the Peruvians, and President Gamarra died in the battle.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It stopped Peru from annexing Bolivia and secured Bolivian independence. Ballivián became president of Bolivia.
What came next
The Peruvian army withdrew from Bolivia. Ballivián governed until 1847 and created the department of Beni.
Did you know?
Peru's president led the invasion in person, and the Bolivian victory also brought Ballivián to the presidency.
Timeline
- 18 November 1841Bolivia wins at Ingavi.
- February 1842Bolivian troops leave southern Peru.