British Invasions of the Río de la Plata: A Catalyst for Argentine Independence

Posted on Oct 6, 2024 in History

Revolutions for independence: a divided America

The revolution in the Rio de la Plata

British Invasions

The British Invasion was a series of expeditions by the British who attacked the Spanish colonies of the Rio de la Plata in the early nineteenth century.

These events meant the incorporation of the region into the Napoleonic Wars, a conflict that pitted the two dominant powers of the time, the United Kingdom and France. The war between the UK and the First French Empire gave the vast territories of Hispanic America strategic and economic role of great importance to the UK, who was then at its industrial revolution.

There are two invasions:

• the First English Invasion of 1806 in which British troops occupied the city of Buenos Aires, capital of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata, to be due 45 days later by an army from Montevideo led by Santiago de Liniers, which is Buenos Aires militia joined in a process known as the Reconquista.
• the Second British Invasion of 1807 in which British troops, after taking Montevideo, were rejected when they tried to occupy Buenos Aires, the defending forces, which consisted not only of government troops in the service of the Spanish king, but also numerous militias urban, consisting of the native population who had been armed and organized during the course of military invasions and the process is known as Defense.

The resistance of the people and their active participation in the Reconquest first and the following year in Defense increased the power and popularity of Creole leaders and increased influence and fervor of the groups independence. In parallel, it was evident the inability of the Spanish metropolis to defend their colonies in the context of international conflicts of the time. These reasons make the British invasion in one of the catalysts for the cause of emancipation in Argentina and much of Latin America.

Argentina culture places the Reconquista and the Defense of Buenos Aires to the British Invasion in a significant immediate background of the May Revolution of 1810 that began the process of Independence of Argentina. During its course, for the first time the prevailing will of the people over the command of the King of Spain, when using the open meeting of February 10, 1807, residents of Buenos Aires deposed the viceroy appointed by the king, to elect French Santiago de Liniers in place. Moreover, the establishment at that time the Regiment Patricios as militias popular voluntary, and the choice by their own militia Potosí Cornelio Saavedra -future president of the First Board fatherland as head of the body, laid the groundwork for a military patriot able to stand against the troops realistic. Popular participation in armed struggle is traditionally represented with the image of the inhabitants of Buenos Aires throwing boiling oil on invaders from the roofs of houses.

These events took place in a broader historical context of territorial disputes in the region, including the UK, the Spanish Empire, Portugal, France and later the United States, a period that extends from the founding of Colonia del Sacramento in 1680 to the recognition by the United Kingdom the independence of Buenos Aires with the signing of a peace treaty and trade in 1824, after the declaration of the Monroe Doctrine. These agreements would not prevent the English Invasion to the Falklands in 1833.

[ edit ] Background

Spanish expansion on the territory of the Plata Basin was a slow process, spurred by the need to prevent the Portuguese could reach the riches of Upper Peru by boat from the South Atlantic to the possibilities of economic exploitation of a region without landmines. Not until the founding of Colonia del Sacramento, in 1680, the Rio de la Plata real charge of strategic importance to the economy and international politics.

The Treaty of Utrecht of April 11th of 1713, ended the War of Spanish Succession, which broke out in 1702 after the death of Charles II. The series of agreements signed between the European powers had given England the grant of a ship sent annually to the West Indies Spanish (vessel permit) and the black seat, a monopoly of thirty years for the black slave trade with these territories. Queen Anne transferred these concessions to the South Sea Company (in English, The South Sea Company) for 7.5 million pounds to finance the debt left by the war. The speculation economy which focused on trade with the Spanish colonies in America made the titles of the company increased ninefold in the first half of 1720. This economic bubble known as the South Sea Bubble was one of the most devastating stock market crises in the history of capitalism.

This institution established one of its most important markets in the Canyon Retiro in Buenos Aires. The ships carrying slaves to the plate allowed the illegal exchange of manufactures for primary products of the region: leather, jerky and suet.

The first British military expedition arrived in the region did so in the context of the Seven Years War. In January 1762 Spain was definitely involved in this conflict into war with England and Portugal. In October of that year, Pedro de Cevallos reoccupied Colonia del Sacramento. Soon after, an Anglo-Portuguese fleet consisting of ten ships and over a thousand men was sent with orders to take Buenos Aires, but was defeated when trying to return to Cologne.

[ edit ] The Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata

Main articles: Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata

The foundation of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata in 1776, was a measure of military strategy with strong economic implications. Carlos III was pressured by the progress the Portuguese on the Rio de la Plata, successive British and French expeditions on costs of Patagonia and the need to launder illegal operations in the port of Buenos Aires, encouraged by the trade monopoly that the Viceroyalty of Peru gave Lima.

While in America and Europe were spread influential ideas related to the Independence of the United States, the French Revolution and the liberal policies of the government of the United Kingdom, Spain continued its conservative colonial policy. Since Spain had practically no factories, was unable to absorb the products of its colonies, disadvantaged people and the economic development of the American viceroyalties. The main focus was placed on the extraction of precious metals with which the metropolis finance their wars and alliances. Instead, England was passing the road to industrialization and, therefore, there was growing demand for commodities. Given the numerous customs restrictions were imposed on South American ports and the absence of mining activity in the La Plata region, smuggling quickly became the basis of trade in a region whose main economic activity was farming.

The abolition of the monopoly of trade of the Indies in 1778 that had previously favored the Casa de Contratación de Indias in Seville and later Cadiz, on the one hand tried to completely destroy the mall Portuguese Colonia del Sacramento, after the uncertain outcome of the Spanish occupation in the same year of its founding. On the other hand, although the measure failed to contain contraband, would be a precursor to economic growth in the viceregal capital: only between 1800 and 1807, income from council multiplied by fourteen.

In 1797, by Charles IV, Viceroy Antonio Feliu Olaguer and authorized trade with neutral countries, due to difficulties in trade with Spain because of the growing hostilities in Europe and the important British domination of the seas. This placed the Río de la Plata in the routes of international trade, attracting many U.S. ships and driving the increased British presence in the economy of Buenos Aires. Intermittently, trade with Britain passed the law into hiding, according to the changing relations between the mainland and that nation. The colonial authorities sometimes encouraged this type of activity rather than preventing it by corrupt officials. This trade contributed to the emergence of the elite of Buenos Aires merchants soon sent their children to study in Europe, from where he soon would bring revolutionary ideas.

[ edit ] Napoleonic Wars

Main article: Napoleonic Wars

Battle of Trafalgar, JMW Turner (1806)

The coming to power of Napoleon in 1799 and he was proclaimed Emperor in 1804 altered the renewed international relations and the Spanish alliance with France. Napoleon pressure on Charles IV as a result saw the return of Manuel de Godoy in power, who declared in 1802 war against the kingdom of Portugal, the main ally of the United Kingdom on the continent.

The Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, revealed to three centuries of naval supremacy of the Armada, a place that would occupy the British fleet. Furthermore, this result undermined Spain’s ability to defend and maintain its empire.

The Napoleonic wars also affect the Plata. Since the beginning of the Conquest of America, England had become interested in the riches of the region.

The Peace of Basel in 1795, ended the war between Spain and the French Revolution. In 1796, the Treaty of San Ildefonso, Spain allied with France, which was at war with England, thus opening the breach that would justify military action in Britain, which sought more influence over the Spanish colonies.

[ edit ] Napoleon’s continental blockade

Main article: Continental System

In the early nineteenth century, the UK was at its industrial revolution, which made the economy more productive throughout Europe, strongly positioned as an exporter of manufactured goods. Just under half of these products were destined for the continental European market. Following the resounding military defeat it meant to France and Spain the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21 of 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte chose the strategy of economic warfare.

In November 1806, shortly after France conquered or allied with each of the powers of the continent, from the Iberian peninsula to Russia, Napoleon issued the Berlin Decree forbidding his allies and the countries conquered any type of commercial with Britain. This measure again encouraged the UK needs to consolidate and secure its interests in the New World.

[ edit ] South America related to British Politics

William Pitt, prime minister of United Kingdom

In 1711, the Governor of Bermuda, John Pullen, send a letter to the minister Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford, saying that ¹Since then A series of plans to occupy Buenos Aires and other South American cities were proposed, but were frustrated for various reasons.

The end of the War of Independence of the United States in 1783, had a major impact on Britain. That same year, William Pitt the Younger took over as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Under his administration, which coincided with the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, Pitt said the strengthening of foreign trade and instead of looking for new colonies sought to open new markets. This policy was severely damaged by the constraints imposed by Spain and shifting alliances among the European powers. Therefore, the independence of the Spanish colonies in America became a focus of the Pitt administration.

In 1789 the war between Britain and Spain seemed imminent after the incident of Nootka Sound. The revolutionary Venezuelan Francisco de Miranda took the opportunity to appear before Pitt with his proposal to free America Hispana. Miranda dreamed of emancipating the New World territories under Portuguese rule and Spanish and make them a great independent empire ruled by a descendant of the House of the Incas. The plan presented in London is seeking assistance from the United Kingdom and the United States to militarily occupy the major South American cities, ensuring that the British people would receive a hearty welcome and would be rushing to organize sovereign governments. In return for this aid, the UK would get the benefits of unrestricted trade and the enjoyment of the Isthmus of Panama, in order to build a canal for the passage of ships. Pitt agreed and began to organize the expedition.

Francisco de Miranda

The Nootka Convention in 1790, ended hostilities, which the mission was canceled. Under the terms of this treaty, Britain recognized Spanish sovereignty in the South Atlantic archipelago next to America in exchange for settling the Island of Quadra and Vancouver. Thus, the British colonists who had settled some years in Left the Falkland Islands archipelago.

In 1796 Pitt’s cabinet drafted a new plan of intervention in South America in response to Spain’s decision to ally with France. But the loss of Russia and Austria as allies put Britain in a more committed against the impending attacks by naval fleets French, Spanish and Dutch, so the project had to be abandoned.

On October 5 of 1804, four British ships intercepted near Cadiz on a Spanish fleet of four frigates loaded with gold and silver of Upper Peru. The loot, valued at two million pounds was sent to London. In this context, Pitt announced the plan of Miranda to Commodore Sir Home Popham, who became an enthusiast of the issue of South America. On October 14, Popham and Miranda Pitt presented a memorandum containing details specific to liberate South America and which would use Popham in 1806 to ask troops to attack Buenos Aires.

Pitt’s hesitation before authorizing an attack on the Rio de la Plata, in the middle of 1805 Popham joined an expedition that aimed to capture the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa. Pitt ordered to abandon the plan of conquest of South America at the moment.

[ edit ] First Invasion Buenos Aires

[ edit ] Preparations for the defense

The Plaza de Mayo was taken by British troops in 1806

By late 1805 the idea of a possible British invasion and traveled Buenos Aires. This South American capital, with its 45,000 inhabitants, was one of the most prosperous ports in the New World (New York, the largest city then in the Anglo-America, had about 85,000 inhabitants). The Viceroy Rafael de Sobremonte had requested military reinforcements to Spain several times. The military corps of the viceroyalty had suffered heavy casualties in recent times, particularly during the Indian uprising led by Tupac Amaru. Yet the only response he got was a few cannons and the suggestion to arm the people for defense. But the viceroy understood that arming the natives, many of them influenced by revolutionary ideas, was a dangerous strategy for the interests of the crown.

On Thursday, January 2 of 1806 arrived at the port of Ensenada de Barragán the Holy Spirit merchant brig, which is questioned by Lieutenant Navarro by order of the Port Captain Santiago de Liniers, originally French, serving the Spanish crown. The Captain of the Merchant Paula Fernandez Francisco reports having sighted a British fleet in Todos Los Santos, Brazil, in December 1805. ²This fleet is part of the expedition of Sir David Baird headed to the Dutch colony of Cape of Good Hope.

Sobremonte received the news that a British fleet had been stocked in the port of Bahia, Brazil, following the measures stipulated by the crown, he organized the few colonial troops to defend the strategic port of Montevideo, which had enough depth to allow the entry of warships, which made him the greatest military Square important over the Río de la Plata.

Liniers was ordered to assemble a fleet to guard the coasts and secure free navigation between Montevideo and Buenos Aires and was appointed commander of the port of Ensenada de Barragán, about 70 km south of Buenos Aires. Liniers had been sent to the viceroyalty in 1788 as Port Captain. He was the brother of the Marquis de Liniers, powerful French merchant in Buenos Aires, and both belonged to the group of locals who were sympathetic to France. ³The governor of the Plaza de Montevideo summoned the people and militia to organize the defense against possible invasion. At this convocation came Azopardo deputy commander of the frigate Corsair Dromedary. He was assigned to the boat Obuse ”Invincible No. 4,”for coastal surveillance missions. The crew was composed by the belonging to the Dromedary. ⁴

[ edit ] Organization of the invading army

In January 1806 there was the second conquest of the Cape of Good Hope by a British army commanded by Lieutenant General David Baird. The catch for the British Crown in the Dutch colony of Cape of Good Hope had been accomplished with the same fleet that had caused alarm in the Rio de la Plata. In those days Napoleon triumphed at the battles of Jena and Auerstadt, which would strengthen France as the hegemonic power in Europe.

Popham maintained contact with traders established in Buenos Aires, including William White, to whom he owed a large sum of money. On March 28 came from Buenos Aires to Cape slave ship that would have brought Elizabeth White in a letter which indicated that this was in the city is a treasure of over a million pesos from Potosi ready to be sent to Spain, with which it could pay off your debt Popham. Commodore Baird tried to persuade to support it in making the Rio de la Plata, using several arguments and ensuring that they would receive the support of the local population, but the general did not agree.

Baird was in an awkward position, which would explain why Popham awarded the 71 Scottish Regiment, one of the strongest bodies of the UK army, commanded by Lt. Col. Denis Pack, for a mission that had not been officially approved. On the one hand, remote colonies governors had the power to decide urgent military action. On the other hand, British law stated percentages of the spoils of war that were given to participants, including senior military could receive substantial sums. Also, if the expedition set sail without the help of Baird and failed, Popham could accuse Baird before a war tribunal.

On April 14, the British fleet across the Atlantic, towards the Rio de la Plata. Baird named general Colonel William Carr Beresford to lead the attack on Buenos Aires. The squad arrived in Santa Elena on April 29, and Popham got the governor of the island to lend him 280 soldiers for their mission, and sent a letter to London, revealing the reasons which led to South America and based its arguments in the memorandum of 1804. What Popham know was that Pitt had recently died and instead had taken William Wyndham Grenville, of the opposition Whig.

In May, Popham sent the frigate HMS Leda ahead of the squad to probe river. On May 19 the captain sent an officer and three sailors on a boat off the coast near Santa Teresa, for them to take notes from the coast and the area, but are captured by a band of militants, who moved to Buenos Aires where, after taking statements, the viceroy took no further action, ⁵perhaps because the officer did not get anything, or this probably ignorant of the details of the plan (by rank). The prisoners were confined in Las Conchas.

[ edit ] British conquest of Buenos Aires

Manuel Belgrano

The fleet was sighted off Montevideo on June 8. The June 24 Beresford faked a landing in Ensenada, performing maneuvers off Punta Lara and opening fire on the fortifications.

On June 25 a force of 1,600 men commanded by Beresford, including 71 Highlanders Regiment, landed on the shores of Quilmes unmolested. Just ordered the next day in Buenos Aires go to them, under the command of the new Deputy Inspector of the Army, Colonel Pedro de Arze. When faced the enemy fire was broken, although the subsequent loading of the invading troops forced a general retreat of the defenders.

Sobremonte attempted a defense strategy, arming the population and his men betting on the north bank of the Riachuelo, hoping to attack the British flank. But the distribution of weapons was a mess, and the troops could not stop the English advance quickly, so that the viceroy was out of town, unable to try anything.

[ edit ] Surrender

The June 27 colonial authorities accepted the summons to Buenos Aires Beresford and delivered to the British. On the afternoon of that day, British troops marched through the main square (the present Plaza de Mayo) and hoisted the Union Jack, which would remain there for 46 days.

Manuel Belgrano, secretary of the Consulate in Buenos Aires (and the viceroyalty) and Honorary Captain Urban Militia, said the need to relocate the Consulate in the place where the viceroy was and went to Beresford to apply. Meanwhile, other members of the Consulate swore recognition of British rule. Belgrano preferred to withdraw his own words, to the east bank of the Rio de la Plata, to live in the hood of Mercedes, making clear its position to deliver his famous phrase:

The viceroy left the capital on the morning of June 27 and went to Cordoba with a few hundred militants who soon drop out: Contrary to a persistent legend, was not carrying the flows, since they had been evacuated two days before according to a plan drawn up last year. Beresford demanded the surrender of the flows of the state and warned traders Buenos Aires who otherwise retain cabotage vessels captured and impose taxes. The council did not hesitate to send a commission to deliver the treasure begging Sobremonte an English detachment sent in pursuit of it. This treasure was taken to London and paraded as a trophy of war, before being deposited in a bank.

On July 14, Sobremonte Cordoba told the provisional capital of the viceroyalty. He urged that disobey all orders from Buenos Aires for the duration of the occupation. He set about organizing an army to reconquer the capital, but the task ran into all sorts of difficulties, and only two months later was ready.

Porteños were generally unhappy with the metropolis, and therefore, at first the British were met with enthusiasm. However, the pro-independence groups recognized the potential threat on British aid. The occupation was the perfect excuse to establish the rule that the UK longed for the region. One of the first measures taken by Beresford was decreed freedom of trade and tariff reduction. Realizing that the occupants had no other plans but to convert the silver in a British colony, joined the group to prepare a rebellion.

[ edit ] The Reconquista de Buenos Aires

Reconstruction of the Cabildo (1940), which dominates the Plaza de Mayo as it did at the time of the invasion the original building, which had six arches additional side

Given the immobility of the colonial authorities, the residents of the city, Creole and Spanish alike, began to arm themselves to defend their own hands. He organized several underground groups planning to attack the fort, the temporary residence of Beresford, with homemade explosives. These movements were supported by monopolists (including Martin Álzaga), which severely affected were free trade decreed by the representative of George III of England (which was approved by the sovereign when the British no longer ruled over the Rio de la Plata).

On August 1 a guerrilla covered by the rich Spanish merchant Martin Álzaga in Perdriel hamlets outside the town (now Chacra Pueyrredón in Party General San Martín), ⁶run by the French Creole descent Pueyrredón John Martin, was defeated by an English force of 550 men. But most of the troops remained intact to retake the city.

Plane of motion of the liberating forces. (Reconquista)

Before the rebels could Buenos Aires to carry out his plan, more troops arrived in Buenos Aires were commanded by Liniers, who left his position in Ensenada and crosses the plate to organize the troops for the reconquest. From Montevideo, and with the help of Pascual Ruiz Huidobro , governor of that city, the French organized an army departed for Cologne July 23 and August 3 was loaded onto a fleet of 23 ships to Buenos Aires for the reconquest.

See also: Military units of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata # First English Invasion

He crossed the Rio de la Plata exploiting a sudestada , storm left motionless on British vessels and in the fog. Moving from the Tigre (Puerto de las Conchas), joined the Army thousands of excited men.

Portrait of Santiago de Liniers

On August 12 , Liniers advanced on the city sparking a battle in different streets of Buenos Aires, to corral the British Fort in the city. He also took to the streets hundreds of volunteers organized and trained by Álzaga.

Beresford signed the capitulation on August 20 , at which agreed to exchange prisoners between both sides. Fearing a second attack, the council pressed for the British prisoners were sent to the interior, thus nullifying the terms of surrender.

Returning to the city, the Royal Audience of Buenos Aires took the civilian government and decided to give the Captaincy General Liniers. Also, the Spanish crown was added the title “The very faithful and reconquer” the city of Montevideo and the shield of the city falls British flags were added, indicating the defeat of the British against Montevideo.

Popham was tried by a British court martial for abandoning their mission in Cape of Good Hope, but his punishment was limited to be “severely reprimanded”. The city of London would give then a sword of honor for his efforts to open new markets, the statement never affect you.

[ edit ] The urban militias

Main article: Militia created in Buenos Aires during the British Invasions

Juan Martín de Pueyrredón, leader of the first squadron of Hussars, who would be appointed Supreme Director of the United Provinces of Río de la Plata

After the capitulation of Beresford and the possibility of a new invasion, Liniers issued September 6, 1806 a document urging the people to organize into separate bodies according to their origin. This document contained a proclamation about the creation of various urban bodies and a second order of call was issued on September 9. Most adult men enlisted as a guard of some of the different bodies and regiments were organized. The General Commander of Arms group achieved a popular force to which he numbered the veteran troops, smaller, forming an army of infantry, cavalry and artillery:

(…) Come, now, the invincible Cantabria, the intrepid Catalan, Asturian and Galician the brave, the dreaded Castilian and Aragonese Andalusia, in short, all who call themselves Spanish have been worthy of such a glorious name. Come, and joined the brave, faithful and immortal American and the other inhabitants of this land, we will challenge these battle-hardened enemy armies, not content with causing the devastation of towns and fields of the ancient world, threatening to invade the quiet and envious peaceful shores of our happy America.

[ edit ] Infantry

• Patricios Corps or Legion Patricia, three battalions of children born in Buenos Aires, mostly poor and led by Cornelio Saavedra and Manuel Belgrano had as Sergeant Major .
• Arribeños Corps , commanded by Pius Ghana and formed by peasants from the interior provinces, among his officers was Juan Bautista Bustos .
• Grenadier Infantry Company or provincial colonial body later named Ferdinand Grenadiers , led by Florencio Terrada .
• Regiment of Highlanders , originating in Cantabria ( Mountain ), after its creation in command of José Oyuela and subsequently during the second British invasion and subsequent actions of ColonelPedro Andres Garcia . ⁷
• Vizcaínos third or Cántabros of Friendship, formed by Asturian Basques and Castilians.
• Hunter Company of Corrientes , under the command of Juan José Fernández Blanco .
• Tercio de Gallegos or Volunteer Urban Galicia.
• Third of Andalusian
• Miñones third of Catalans
• Body of Indian, Black and Browns .

[ edit ] Cavalry

• First Squadron of Hussars, whose official name was “King’s Hussars,” but more commonly known as “ Pueyrredón Hussars “in honor of its famed commander Juan Martín de Pueyrredón , which then participate in the War of Independence of Argentina under the name Hussar of the country.
• Second Hussars Squadron, popularly known as “Hell’s Hussars” or “Living Hussars” in honor of its first chief Lucas Vivas .
• Third Squadron of Hussars or “Núñez Hussars” by his commander Pedro Ramon Nunez , also called “Infernal Hussars,” as the second squadron.
• Fourth Hussars Squadron or “Carbineros de Herrera” for having been his first boss Diego de Herrera. Its name most commonly spread (although it was originally organized as the Fourth Squadron), is “Hunters of the Queen.”
• Fifth Cavalry Squadron, called “Carabineros de Carlos IV,” cavalry under the command of Lucas Fernandez.
• Sixth Cavalry Squadron, more commonly called “Migueletes Castex,” organized by the Royal Court lawyer Alejo Castex .
• Squadron Quinteros and Labrador.
• Cavalry Blandengues de la Frontera, cavalry corps to defend the frontiers besieged by the Indians.

[ edit ] Artillery

• Patriots Volunteer Corps of the Union.
• Artillery Company of Indian, Black and Browns, made ​​by Indians and former slaves.

The creation of these parallel forces caused the imperial army distrust since the Spanish authorities resulted in the militarization and politicization allowed militant leaders gained power and popularity in society River Plate.

[ edit ]British blockade to the ports of Silver

After the capitulation of the Plaza de Buenos Aires , the British fleet continued in the Rio de la Plata to await the reinforcements he had requested to England.

Commodore Popham remained blocked the ports of Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Maldonado , and for that reason, Liniers issued a patent in corso for Azopardo Juan Bautista , who joined the schooner Fly Buenos Aires . This patent allowed him to exercise the parade in the area of Rio de la Plata at the time I had been entrusted with the surveillance of the enemy’s fleet and notification of any landing.

In one of the outputs of the Fly, the brig HMS Protector and an unidentified British schooner at the time, engaged the pirate ship. Given the inferiority of fire Azopardo decided to set course to the south shore of the river in the direction of Quilmes, where it ran aground trying to save the ship. The British took the opportunity to assault the pirate landing four boats hoisted lighter than Black Flag . The first boat was captured with an officer and five sailors, while the other three returned to the ships which were anchored outside the reach of the guns on the fly.

Azopardo land organized a defensive position against a possible British counter. When he came the flood, again beacons. The prisoners were sent to Buenos Aires and the low total of three sailors computed pirate ship. ⁸

[ edit ] Invasion of the Banda Oriental

Main article: Second British Invasion of the Rio de la Plata

In July 1806, Admiral Sir Charles Stirling , who had participated in the Battle of Cape Finisterre , was appointed commander of HMS Sampson with the order to transport the troops of General Samuel Auchmuty to Buenos Aires to provide support for Popham. Only on September 22 , the British government decided to first conquest of Montevideo and Buenos Aires. A few days later, arrived in London the spoils in the first invasion, which was paraded through the city in carts and celebrated by its inhabitants.

Meanwhile, Popham roamed the shores of Silver awaiting reinforcements. Finally in October, came the command of Lieutenant Colonel BackHome 1,400 47 men of the regiment of infantry, from the Cape of Good Hope. After a slight bombing Montevideo, Maldonado Popham decided to attack. This population had few fortifications and only 250 men, destined to guard what was then the frontier between the Spanish and Portuguese dominions. On October 29 , the British landed in Maldonado and theGorriti island and 3 days after they took control of both enclaves. The Spanish soldiers who resisted the attack were arrested and recruited to the Isla de Lobos . Meanwhile, British soldiers sacked and arrested Maldonado its inhabitants. Colonel Vassallo was appointed governor, who liberated the captive population and the people back some of the items stolen during the initial foray. British troops had to face on several occasions the forces sent from the capital of the Eastern Band.

The population of San Carlos , near Maldonado, was recognized by King Ferdinand VII by the action of resistance to British attacks, and named it “very faithful and reconquered the town of San Carlos,” a title that looks like crest on his shield weapons. ⁹

Main article: Siege of Montevideo (1807)

On January 5 of 1807 , Auchmuty came to Rio de la Plata with an official expedition of 4,300 men. By then, Sobremonte had arrived in Montevideo with a force of 2,500 cavalry Cordoba. However, the city council of the viceroy refused entry and put in the hands of Ruiz Huidobro defense. On January 14 Montevideo was bet against a British squadron of 100 candles full of British manufactures and now had nearly 6,000 men under the command of Admiral Stirling (who came to replace Popham). On January 16 , Auchmuty landed 10 kilometers from Montevideo, near the site where you bet on the strength of Sobremonte, who after asking the square forces left the battlefield.

Wall of Colonia del Sacramento ( Uruguay )

Ruiz Huidobro had a garrison of just 3,000 men who took to resist the attack of disorganized as the governor requested the help of Buenos Aires. On February 2 the British managed to open a gap through the gate of San Juan, one of the two entrances to the city. Since then, the population actively participated in the defense of the town, and there were many casualties. Finally on February 3 , the joint operation by infantry and marine Britain succeeded in occupying the city. Liniers had decided to cross the river with about 3,000 fighters when it was late so he had to return to Buenos Aires.

Auchmuty ordered the creation of the newspaper The Southern Star or Star of the South to be distributed in Montevideo and Buenos Aires, not only to broadcast news but also serve as media of propaganda articles for the occupation .

Fearing that the Spanish forces reached via Montevideo Colonia del Sacramento, commissioned Colonel Auchmuty Denis Pack making this fortified village of about 2,800 inhabitants. Pack occupied this place, almost without opposition in March. Upon learning of these facts, Liniers sent the newcomer from Spain Colonel Francisco Javier Elio recover Cologne. Elio was a surprise to the forces of Pack the April 22 , but the attack was repulsed and the fleet of retired and laid Elio camp near the mouth of San Pedro Creek. Pack called for reinforcements to Montevideo and attacked the camp ElioJune 7. The Spanish suffered about 120 casualties and most of the men dispersed. Elio was forced to return to Buenos Aires.

During occupation, despite the efforts of the Consulate, the British began to smuggle goods freely from Montevideo. The goods arrived in Buenos Aires via Quilmes and Ensenada to Santa Fe by the Parana River and from there to the viceroyalty. Also by land and sea products reached the British Brazil . The Court tried to persuade smugglers hardly imposing, they were never put into practice. They asked the Viceroy Montevideo merchants that the city was besieged for fostering trade.

[ edit ] Second Invasion Buenos Aires

[ edit ] Removal of Sobremonte and drain Beresford

On February 5 Buenos Aires became the news of the fall of Montevideo. By knowing the actions of the viceroy, fueled public protests and graffiti against the agent of the Crown. On February 10 was convened town meeting that convened as Board of War, Pressured the Royal Court and ruled in an unprecedented move, the removal of the Viceroy Sobremonte, detention, and the appointment of Liniers in place. The Spanish authorities understood that what happened in Buenos Aires could be an example for the rest of the vassals of American viceroys. To avoid that transcended the fact that the will of the people had deposed the viceroy, the Court framed the events within the colonial legal, reporting that Sobremonte had resigned for health reasons.

The Board also ordered an Beresford (prisoner Luján ) in Catamarca and it maintained contact with promoters creoles independence ideas. However, the officers moved to Beresford were intercepted in the vicinity of reefs by a group of natives, including Saturnino Rodriguez Peña and Manuel Aniceto Padilla , who managed the chief English will be delivered. The Creoles remained hidden from the general English until he was secretly embarked at the port of Buenos Aires HMS Charwell with messages sent from Montevideo to authorities. The objective of this mission was to negotiate the surrender of Buenos Aires to avoid a bloody battle. Without reaching an agreement, Beresford rejected the offer to command the expedition to the viceregal capital and sailed for London. This usually occupy the island of Madeira that same year and became its governor. Later would have a prominent role in the Spanish War of Independence .

[ edit ] The English advance

John Whitelocke, portrait published in 1808

In the early days of March, HMS Thisbe came from England to Montevideo with Lieutenant General John Whitelocke , who was appointed commander of British forces in the Rio de la Plata , the order of the British government to capture Buenos Aires.

Whitelocke arrived in Montevideo on May 10 and took the general command. Shortly after, the fleet under the command of General Robert Craufurd came from the Cape with 5,000 men. The June 17 Whitelocke the formidable army composed of some 10,000 men, ¹⁰left for Cologne. On June 28th the British landed in Ensenada, in its advance local force defeated a much lower number. After crossing the Creek upstream of the position chosen by Liniers – the banks of the Riachuelo, giving back to it – laid siege to the capital on July 4 .

In the meantime, had arrived at the viceregal Spanish court ruling declaring interim viceroy Ruiz Huidobro. However, the governor had been shipped to London after the fall of Montevideo. Therefore, Liniers, being the top military this was named to replace Huidobro by the audience.

The British army advanced with difficulty the 50 kilometers separating the place chosen for the landing and capital. Viceroy brand’s army intercepted the first breakthrough of the enemy near Miserere, but the brigade commanded by Craufurd the vanguard succeeded in dividing and pushing back the men of Liniers inbrief battle. By nightfall, the fighting ceased and many militia retreated to their homes.

It seemed that all was lost, but decided to wait Whitelocke; suspended Craufurd advancing toward the city and demanded immediate surrender. Buenos Aires gave the three days, which the natives used to organize militarily.

[ edit ] Assault and defense of Buenos Aires

The mayor of Buenos Aires, Martin Álzaga ordered roadblocks set up, wells and trenches in different streets of the city by the enemy could enter. It brought all kinds of weapons, and continued work on the streets under the light of thousands of candles.

On the morning of July 5 , the entire British army reconvened in Miserere. Confident of the supremacy of his army, Whitelocke gave the order to enter the city in 12 columns, which would be addressed separately to the fort and retreat by several streets. In a display unnecessary, had orders not to fire their weapons until you reach the Plaza de la Victoria . ^{[ citation needed ]}

However, the invaders were facing very different from Buenos Aires who had surrendered to Beresford. According to the English general account GE Miles, neighbors on Calle San Pedro threw stones and boiling oil on the heads of the famous “Redcoats” of Infantry Regiment Number 88. ¹¹ Álzaga Liniers and had amassed an army of 9,000 militia , stationed in different parts of the city. The advance of the columns was severely hampered by the defenses mounted, the permanent fire from inside the houses and misunderstandings, and misunderstandings between the British commanders. Whitelocke saw his men were smashed around every corner. By street fighting, residents in downtown Buenos Aires exceeded the discipline of the famous “Redcoats.” However, after fierce fighting the British took possession of the Residence and Retreat, where he was mortally wounded the lieutenantCandido de Lasala. ¹² but also lost in killed and wounded about 1070 men. ¹³

When most of the columns had fallen, demanded the surrender Liniers. Craufurd, entrenched in the church of Santo Domingo, rejected the offer and the fight lasted until after three o’clock. Whitelocke received the conditions of capitulation to six in the afternoon the same day.

On July 7 , English General announced the acceptance of the surrender proposal Liniers and which – by requiring Álzaga – had been added within two months to leave Montevideo. British troops withdrew from Buenos Aires, would leave the east side only on September 9 .

British casualties, according to David Marley, always correctly reported figures for consulting English very well their files, were 311 killed, 679 wounded and 1,808 captured or missing. ¹⁴

Back in the UK, a court martial found guilty Whitelocke of all charges except one and was removed from his function, be declared incapable of serving the British Crown. One of the determining factors for this decision was the fact that the general had accepted the return of Montevideo within the terms of surrender.

The bodies of the fallen of both sides during the English invasions of Buenos Aires have not yet been found. ¹⁵

[ edit ] British fighter Testimonials

The following are testimonies of sustained fighting on the streets of Buenos Aires, made ​​by British leaders who participated in the struggle.

I went with the riflemen to the west side of the building of the College of Jesuits, ¹⁶ without suffering substantial losses when, to advance the light gun to open a gap in the main entrance, the enemy suddenly appeared in great numbers in some windows on the roof of that building and from the barracks on the opposite side of the street and from the end of it. At one point, all of the company ahead of my spine, and some gunners and horses were killed or wounded …

Lieutenant Colonel Henry Cadogan . ¹⁷

Before I had barely approached the Church of San Francisco , I had lost under fire from an unseen enemy, and certainly unassailable to us, the officers and almost all the men who composed the fraction of lead, voluntary from different companies, officers and nearly half of the company next, and so in proportion to other companies that made ​​up my spine …

Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Pack ¹⁷

As soon as we reached the entrance of the church of San Miguel, the enemy began a terrible fire from the houses opposite. Having lost about thirty men in this post and realizing that it was impossible to force the doors of the church with the tools I had given, I thought it prudent to desist and penetrate deeper into the city hoping to find a more advantageous position. After leaving the entrance of the church were punished with a continuous fire. After I entered the city until I judged that I was near the fort. Seeing that he had lost so many people on the street, the four officers were wounded grenadiers, the largest, the assistant and the assistant surgeon had been killed, and he had lost, in killed and wounded, eighty to a hundred soldiers in my weak column, turned left and sought refuge occupying three houses …

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Duff ¹⁷

[edit ] Edition of “The Times” on invasions

The official part of the capitulation of Whitelocke in Buenos Aires, accounting for failure of the second invasion, arrived in Britain on September 11, 1807, and were given to publicity by the newspaper The Times of London article Evacuation South America. Reproduced here are some main paragraphs:

“The attack on Buenos Aires has failed and has long since not a single British soldier in the Spanish part of South America. The details of this disaster, perhaps the largest suffered by this country since the Revolutionary War, were published yesterday in an extraordinary number …”. “The attack according to the prearranged plan, took place on July 5, and the results were predictable. The columns were met with determined resistance. On every street, from every house, the opposition was so determined and gallant as there were few cases in history. The consequence was that the operational plan was foiled ”

“The commander in chief seems to have been the most perfect ignorance both about the nature of the country should go through, as on the amount and nature of resistance to expect. In order, presumably, to avoid disturbing a meeting landed thirty miles from where she had surgery, continues its march through a journey full of swamps, cut by streams and finally, panting and exhausted army sits against a fully fortified, which according to the tenor of his office, “shrapnel rained down on him from all corners and from the roofs of all houses, musket, hand grenades, bricks and stones” ”

“This was an unfortunate affair from start to finish. The interests of the nation and its military prestige has been seriously affected. The original plan was bad, and bad execution. There was nothing honorable or worthy of it, nothing to match the resources and prestige of the nation. It was a dirty and sleazy company … ”

“How could I be expected to be with our hands and hearts of the people, if the first who occupied the city were less anxious to be reconciled with the people who put out of danger by the spoils? There was a radical defect in the original plan, no company could be remedied later. If the unauthorized landing of the first promoters had arranged a force equal to that which has now been expelled from Buenos Aires, the country could be right now in our hands. “

The Times, 14 September 1807, p. 3. ¹⁸

[ edit ] Aftermath

The Spanish Empire retained possession of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata by the action of urban voluntary militia groups. The will of the people played an unprecedented role in the dismissal of a viceroy and the appointment of his successor. The resistance of the people and their active participation in the defense and conquest, with the demonstration of the inability of the Metropolis to defend their colonies, make these events as catalysts towards independence of the territories under Spanish American .

It is important to understand the position of Sobremonte, who would be remembered for the Buenos Aires as an inept and cowardly. The viceroy was aware of the existence of separatist groups in Buenos Aires. I was also aware of the vulnerability of the Rio de la Plata, and on numerous occasions had requested reinforcements to Spain. On the other hand, meant to arm the people for the defense involved the delivery of power to the natives. ¹⁹The flight to Cordoba with the treasure, can be considered an appropriate strategy, since that was what it had sought Popham. However, due to pressure from representatives of the council, mostly wealthy merchants, Sobremonte was forced to give public funds to Beresford. ²⁰ returned to Spain, the Marquis appeared before a council of war held in Cadiz in 1813 he was acquitted of all charges. He also received payment of salary arrears, he was promoted to field marshal and appointed Minister of India. ²¹ Beresford returned to England and was received with great pomp. He landed with a cart full of treasures and moved directly to the Bank of England to the cheers of the people, the authorities and big businesses. What is considered as a forced delivery of the funds by Sobremonte, the English consider it a payment of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata for the right of the implementation of free trade. Evidently there is a double message in the history of the British Invasions, which need to be clarified.

[ edit ] Attempted third military intervention

British traders continued desperate blocking Bonaparte and although the failure of the attack in Buenos Aires Whitelocke discouraged British leaders, the London government resumed idea of military intervention in America. This time he planned to stand as a liberator and not as a conqueror, in order to obtain the consent of the natives.

General Arthur Wellesley took over this new action, advised by Francisco Miranda. Wellesley had the idea to create in America a constitutional monarchy with two cameras as in Britain, where members of the House be elected by the Councils and landlords. Other Spanish colonial institutions would in principle be preserved.

The troops destined for America began preparing in the Irish port of Cork in late 1807. The plan was sent to Rio de La Plata, dated landing in June 1808, a force with 10,077 troops and carry weapons both for British troops to an army that was thought native form upon arrival. Also send a military expedition to Mexico.

But to place the lifting of the people of Madrid against the French on May 2, 1808, Wellesley commanded the troops in Cork, be taken to Portugal in order to go to support the insurgency, landing in that country on 1 August of that year.

Thus was diluted further attempt military action.