Chile–Spain relations Captaincy General of Chile declared Chile as an autonomous republic within the Spanish monarchy. For the next decade, Chilean forces would battle Spanish troops for independence. In October 1814, Chilean troops lost during the Battle of Rancagua which led to the "Reconquista" of Chile by Spain from 1814-1817. In February 1817, troops led by General Bernardo O'Higgins, along with General José de San Martín and the "Army of the Andes" entered Chile from Argentina through the Andes and fought Spain in the Battle of Chacabuco which resulted in a Chilean/Argentine victory. In April 1818, O'Higgins and San Martín's forces fought
Army of the North of the Royalist forces in Upper Peru. On 12 May Orozco commanding a force of 4,000 men advanced to Jujuy, and on 28 May occupied the city, then on 31 May occupied Salta. On 2 June the royalist forces defeated the patriots at Chamical (southwest of the city of Salta). At the battle of Las Cañas lieutenant colonel Rojas was killed but the force of 400 royalists was defeated. On 8 June there was a new independentist victory at Cuesta de la Pedrera (southeast of Salta), dispersing 2,000 royalists who retreated to Jujuy. At the battle of Yala another royalist