Battle of Ingavi

Battle of Ingavi

Date	November 18, 1841
Location	Ingavi, Bolivia
Result	Decisive Bolivian victory

Belligerents

Republic of Peru

Republic of Bolivia

Commanders and leaders

Agustín Gamarra †

José Ballivián

Strength

Peruvian Army 5,199

Bolivian Army 3,788

Casualties and losses

Estimated 180 killed

Estimated 164 killed

The Battle of Ingavi occurred on November 18, 1841, in the town of Ingavi, Bolivia. There the Bolivian Army commanded by Jose Ballivian met an invading Peruvian Army commanded by Agustín Gamarra who would later die during the battle.

With the dissolution of the Peru-Bolivian Confederation, the President of Peru, Agustín Gamarra, made the controversial decision to invade Bolivia, utilizing the political chaos occurring in the Bolivian government as an excuse. Gamarra, from the beginning, supported a union between Peru and Bolivia, but preferred it to be completely dominated by the Peruvian government, rather than to form a confederation between the two nations.

Immediately, Jose Ballivian assumed power in the chaotic state of Bolivia, and proclaimed himself President. During this period there were three different governments attempting to rule Bolivia; a legitimate government headquartered in Chuquisaca headed by José Mariano Serrano, another headquartered in Cochabamba headed by José Miguel de Velasco, and that of Ballivian headquartered in La Paz.

Faced with the danger of a Peruvian invasion, the three governments joined under Ballivian and readied their armies, which in Ingavi, repelled the Peruvians.

On November 18, 1841, with Agustin Gamarra being dead, the Peruvian Army left Bolivia. The news generated chaos in Lima, where the vice-president, Manuel Menéndez struggled to maintain his authority. He was soon deposed, with Juan Crisóstomo Torrico assuming power, allowing order to return to the country. This would be the last attempt of Peru to try to assume control of Bolivia.

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Wikipedia