The Battle of Ayacucho

The Battle of Ayacucho, fought on December 9, 1824, was pivotal in South America's struggle for independence from Spain.

The high plains near present-day Ayacucho, Peru, was the site of a battle pivotal to South America's independence from Spain. The battle happened amidst the Latin American independence wars, a string of revolts and battles starting in the early 1800s. 

By the early 1820s, most of South America had declared independence, but Peru remained a stronghold of Spanish royalist forces.

The Patriot forces, led by Antonio José de Sucre (pictured left) were allied with Simón Bolívar's broader campaign for independence. Sucre commanded a combined force of troops from various South American nations, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina.

The Royalist forces, loyal to the Spanish Crown, were commanded by Viceroy José de la Serna (pictured right)

Despite being outnumbered by 9,000 to 6,000 soldiers, the Patriot forces achieved a decisive victory using their mobility and strategic positioning. The terrain allowed Sucre to divide the Royalist troops, resulting in many captures.

The Capitulation of Ayacucho, signed after the battle by the Spanish army, ended their efforts to regain control of their South American colonies.

The Ayacucho victory marked the end of Spanish rule in South America and secured the independence of Peru.