"Britain and France confront Argentina Confederation..." Topic

… – the Battle of Obligado, 1845.

"Today, when one thinks of naval combat between British and Argentinian forces the Falklands War of 1982 is the case most likely to come to mind. An equally fierce engagement did however occur 137 years earlier and, though it is largely forgotten in Britain today, is commemorated annually in Argentina by a national holiday on each 20th November.

The Spanish colonies in South America gained their independence in the 1820s through brutal wars of liberation. Much of the rest of the century thereafter was to be occupied by an almost constant warfare between the new nations – and with the Portuguese-speaking Empire of Brazil – to establish national boundaries. Dictators were to abound in this period, many as savage and ruthless as those who were to be seen in Europe and Africa in the 20th Century. Among the most notable – indeed notorious – of these was the tyrant Juan Manuel de Rosas (1793 –1877) ruled Argentina almost uninterruptedly from 1829 to 1852. His government was one of terror, with savage suppression of opposition by a state police called the Mazorca. Wars with neighbouring states, as well as civil conflict, marked his rule and were barbarous in the extreme – according to one source "prisoners were rarely taken or, if taken, were then killed; fugitives were hunted down, their throats cut, their heads exhibited."

The political complexities surrounding war between Argentina and Uruguay in the mid-1840s are impossible to sketch in a short article. British and French interest in the situation focussed on protection of commercial interests in Uruguay and on keeping navigation of the Parana River open to commercial traffic. This huge river, navigable by sea-going vessels of the time for much of its length, leads into the very heart of South America…"
Full article here
link

This brings me such good memories!
When I was a child of nine years I began to camp with the boy scouts. Soon … my best friends and I decided to make our first camp alone (survival) and the place chosen was "La Vuelta de Obligado". In those days there was no way to reach that place in the map by car or train. We had to walk 18 kms to reach destination. The place was wonderful and still with many ruins of the Argentine positions were they fougth as part of the old chains in the river. I returned there for several years there and I have the best memories…

Amicalement
Armand

Very cool, Armand. It is always neat to have a piece of history all to yourself.

Good find Armand and an interesting piece of history.

Glad you enjoyed it boys!.

Years latter… I wrote a few essays on this battle.

There are several interesting aspects, such as that the Argentine General at command was completely deaf and brother in law of Rosas. There were two landing attempts by the British / French infantry repulsed by a fierce melee. That after breaking the chains … this fleet was persecuted and attacked at every turn of the river Parana. … all the way up of the river and down too. That a group of British navy infantry who disembark for victuals … have to form square to repulse the attack of
Argentine "gauchos" who attacked them harshly… etc etc.

A not very well known part of history. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand