Rosas's defeat ended his dictatorship over Argentina and directly led to the country's first constitutional government in 1853.
Key Facts
- Date
- 3 February 1852
- Location
- Near El Palomar, Argentina
- Allied force name
- Grand Army (Ejército Grande)
- Rosas fled to
- United Kingdom
- Argentine constitution drafted
- 1853
- First constitutional president
- Justo José de Urquiza, 1854
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Juan Manuel de Rosas had long exercised dictatorial control over the Argentine Confederation, provoking opposition from Argentine provincial governors and neighboring states. The provinces of Entre Ríos and Corrientes, along with the Empire of Brazil and Uruguay, formed a coalition to challenge his rule and assembled the Grand Army under caudillo Justo José de Urquiza.
On 3 February 1852, the Grand Army engaged Rosas's forces near El Palomar, Argentina. The allied coalition decisively defeated the Argentine Confederation army commanded by Rosas in the Battle of Caseros, bringing his long rule to an abrupt end.
Rosas fled to the United Kingdom following his defeat. Urquiza assumed power as provisional Director of the Argentine Confederation and sponsored the drafting of Argentina's first national constitution in 1853. He subsequently became the country's first constitutional president in 1854, marking a fundamental turning point in Argentine political history.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Juan Manuel de Rosas.
Side B
4 belligerents
Justo José de Urquiza.