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Jose de San Martin led a combined Argentine-Chilean army across the treacherous
1817 Event

February 12

Patriot Army Crosses the Andes and Beats Spain in Chile

Jose de San Martin led a combined Argentine-Chilean army across the treacherous Andes passes and crushed Spanish royalist forces at Chacabuco in a swift two-pronged assault. The victory liberated Santiago within days and shattered Spain's grip on Chile. San Martin's daring alpine crossing remains one of military history's greatest logistical feats.

February 12, 1817

209 years ago

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