Army of the Andes

The Andes Army ( Spanish: Ejército de los Andes ) was a military unit under the leadership of José de San Martín. He used to lead Chile, which was still a Spanish colony to independence. 1817 crossed the Army of the Andes from Argentina to expel the Spanish army of Chile.

The number of troops varies depending on the source: Some believe the Andes army had no more than 3,500 men comprises, others go by a number of good soldiers from 6000. The army was composed of Argentines and Chileans. Moreover, even were 1200 men in the auxiliary troops. The Congress of Tucumán approved de San Martín's proposal, who intended to train 1814-1817 an army on their ordeal. As the army consisted largely of inexperienced soldiers or recruits, sat de San Martín deliberately to discipline he would expect from experienced troops because he did not intend to wage a " colorful bunch of fools " in a battle.

To be able to lead the army better over the Andes to San Martín decided early in the year 1817 to share the Army. A larger group was from him, another of Juan Gregorio de Las Heras, a military leader, who also took over in later battles of the Andes Army leadership roles performed. The army part de San Martín struck the southern route.

There were still some smaller units which should support the main army. These troops comprised little more than a hundred men, including some infantry. Many of these soldiers were former Chilean army who have fought for the freedom of the colony.

After crossing the Andes, the army met under de San Martín on the Spanish army and was able to teach this in many battles and defeats to force them eventually to withdraw from Chile.

60711
de