Battle of Yungay
Near Yungay, Ancash Region, Peru
What happened
The United Restoration Army of Chilean troops and Peruvian exiles under General Manuel Bulnes fought the army of the Peru-Bolivian Confederation under Andrés de Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz led the Peru-Bolivian Confederation, which Chile and some Peruvians fought against. In the Andes about 200 km north of Lima, Bulnes's army attacked the Confederation's dug-in positions. After capturing two hills and crossing a river, a cavalry charge broke the Confederation army after about six hours.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It ended the Peru-Bolivian Confederation, and Peru and Bolivia became separate countries again. Santa Cruz went into exile.
What came next
On 25 August 1839 Peru was declared reunited. In Santiago, a new neighbourhood was named Barrio Yungay in honour of the victory.
Did you know?
A monument in Santiago's Plaza Yungay honours the 'roto chileno', the ordinary people who made up many of the soldiers.
Timeline
- 20 January 1839The Restoration Army wins at Yungay.
- 25 August 1839The Confederation is dissolved.
- 1970An earthquake and avalanche bury the old town of Yungay.