Battle of Suipacha
Suipacha, near Tupiza, Potosí Department, Bolivia
What happened
Independence forces from Buenos Aires under Antonio González Balcarce and Juan José Castelli fought Spanish royalist troops under José de Córdoba y Rojas. After the May Revolution of 1810 in Buenos Aires, an army marched north into Upper Peru (today's Bolivia). Near the Suipacha River, the royalists attacked the patriots' position. The patriots counter-attacked, stormed the royalist camp and forced them to retreat in about half an hour.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first decisive victory of the independence forces over the royalists. It sparked a general uprising in Upper Peru.
What came next
The patriot army advanced to the Desaguadero River. In June 1811 it was badly defeated at Huaqui.
Did you know?
Soldiers who fought at Suipacha were given an armband honouring 'the victors of Tupiza', which an Argentine regiment still wears on its dress uniform.
Timeline
- 25 May 1810The May Revolution creates the First Junta in Buenos Aires.
- 27 October 1810The patriots are driven back at Cotagaita.
- 7 November 1810The patriots win at Suipacha.
- 20 June 1811The patriots are defeated at Huaqui.