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Jose de San Martin and the Fight for Independence
Jose de San Martin joined the army in 1791 and began his efforts in the fight for South American Independence from the Spanish. He arrived in Buenos Ayres in March 1812, and was soon putting together campaigns to defeat the Spanish. In 1814 Martin was appointed commander and chief of the Peru army and then organized the famous Army of the Andes by the assent and tactic of Argentine director Pueyrredon. He then set out with his army on 21 January, 1817, misleading the Spanish generals by crossing the Andes under great difficulties. The army completely surprised the Spanish at Chacabuco, and routed them on 12 February, entering the capital triumphantly on the 15th. He was elected supreme chief of the republic, but declined, only reserving the command of the auxiliary Argentine army. Jose de San Martin is known to the Argentinians as their greatest asset in winning independence. (virtual)



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