The Battle of Carabobo was fought between South American patriots led by Simon Bolivar and Spain. Bolivar's victory led to the independence of Venezuela.
Over 4,000 Spaniards occupied the road leading from Valencia to Puerto Cabello under the command of General La Torre. As Bolivar's force of 6,500 approached the Spanish position, Bolivar divided his force and sent half on a flanking maneuver through rough terrain and dense foliage. La Torre likewise split his force and sent half to deal with this flank attack. Hitting the patriots with artillery fire the attack was held back for a while. The patriots eventually broke through the Spanish lines on the flank and were marching towards the rear of La Torre's force. All Spanish fronts gave way and fled leaving behing several artillery pieces. The route was so bad that only 400 on the origional Spanish force reached safety at Puerto Cabello. With the main Spanish force in Venzuela crushed independence was ensured.
June 24 is still celebrated as Battle of Carabobo in Venezuela
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Last updated: 10-20-2005 18:07:18
