Battle of Suipacha

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The Battle of Suipacha was fought on 7 November, 1810 in Bolivia during the Bolivian War of Independence. At the time Bolivia was known as Alto Perú. It was the first decisive defeat of the Spanish (Royalists) by Republican forces.

An earlier rebellion in Alto Perú had been crushed by Spanish forces under the command of Generals Nieto and José de Córdoba, leaving the region firmly under Spanish control. In reaction, the Republicans sent an expeditionary army, led by Antonio González Balcarce, to Alto Perú with the mission to conduct a reconnaissance of the region. Departing from Buenos Aires, its ranks swelled in route as volunteers joined the march. Among these was a group of gauchos lead by Martín Miguel de Güemes, who would go on to play a key role in the southern revolution. By the time the expedition reached Alto Perú, it was 600 men strong with 10 field pieces.

After an earlier action at Cotagaita on 27 October in which they were repulsed, Republican forces withdraw and occupied a position on the southern bank of the Rio Suipacha. Having received reinforcements, the Royalists attacked this position with 800 men, but were beaten when the Republicans counter-attacked their left flank. Subsequently the Republicans were able to attack the Royalists camp and force a general withdrawal. The Republican army then continued to advance north to the river Desaguadero.

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