HistoryData
war1839

1839 battle of the War of the Confederation

January 20, 1839

The Battle of Yungay ended the War of the Confederation, dissolving the Peru-Bolivian Confederation and forcing Santa Cruz into exile.

Quick Facts

Year
1839
Category
war

Key Facts

Date
January 20, 1839
Duration of fighting
Six hours
North Peruvian dissidents
600 troops
Distance from Lima
200 km
Outcome
Confederate Army destroyed; Santa Cruz exiled

By the Numbers

201,839
Date
600troops
North Peruvian dissidents
200km
Distance from Lima

Location

Map of Yungay, PeruMap of Yungay, PeruYungay, Peru

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

The Peru-Bolivian Confederation under Andrés de Santa Cruz had come into conflict with Chile, prompting Chile to organize a United Restoration Army composed mainly of Chilean forces and North Peruvian dissidents to dismantle the Confederation by military force.

Event

On January 20, 1839, Chilean General Manuel Bulnes led the United Restoration Army against Confederation forces near Yungay in northern Peru. After six hours of fighting, the Restorers defeated the Confederate Army in the final engagement of the War of the Confederation.

Consequence

The Confederate Army's defeat ended the War of the Confederation and dissolved the Peru-Bolivian Confederation. Santa Cruz went into exile in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Peru's new government settled its debt with Chile and banned former Confederation officers, including Guillermo Miller and Domingo Nieto, from the Peruvian Army.

Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis

Side A

1 belligerent

United Restoration Army (Chile and North Peruvian dissidents)
Key Commanders

Manuel Bulnes.

Side B

1 belligerent

Peru-Bolivian Confederation
Key Commanders

Andrés de Santa Cruz.

Outcome
Decisive Restoration Army victory; Peru-Bolivian Confederation dissolved and Santa Cruz exiled

Timeline Context

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