Paraguayan forces defeat Manuel Belgrano at the Battle of Tacuarí.

Delving into the life of Manuel Belgrano reveals a pivotal figure in Argentina's history, a true polymath whose contributions as an economist, lawyer, politician, journalist, and military leader cemented his legacy. He wasn't just a participant in the Argentine Wars of Independence; he was a driving force, famously creating the Flag of Argentina and earning his place among the revered Libertadores of the nation, a title he shares with other foundational figures of South American independence.

Early Life and the Spark of Enlightenment

Born Manuel José Joaquín del Corazón de Jesús Belgrano y González on June 3, 1770, in Buenos Aires, his lineage was notable as the fourth child of Domingo Belgrano y Peri, an Italian businessman, and María Josefa González Casero. His formative years took a transformative turn during his university studies in Spain. It was there, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution, that he encountered the radical and liberating ideas of the Age of Enlightenment. These intellectual currents profoundly shaped his worldview, instilling in him a deep desire for societal reform and national autonomy.

A Return to the Río de la Plata and Growing Dissent

Upon his return to the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, Belgrano quickly became a prominent voice among the local criollo population of Buenos Aires. Eager to implement the progressive political and economic ideals he had absorbed in Europe, he faced formidable resistance from the peninsulars—Spaniards born in Spain—who held power. This stark rejection fueled his conviction that greater autonomy from the Spanish colonial regime was not merely desirable, but essential for his homeland's future. Initially, he even explored the aspiration of Carlota Joaquina to become a regent ruler for the Viceroyalty while King Ferdinand VII was imprisoned during the Peninsular War (1807–1814), though this endeavor ultimately proved unsuccessful.

The May Revolution and a New Dawn

The spirit of revolution was stirring, and Belgrano wholeheartedly embraced the May Revolution, a pivotal event on May 25, 1810, that successfully ousted the viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros. His commitment to the cause was immediately recognized, leading to his election as a voting member of the Primera Junta, the provisional government that assumed power after the viceroy's removal. This marked his direct entry into the highest echelons of revolutionary leadership, laying the groundwork for the future Argentine state.

Military Leadership and the Birth of a National Symbol

As a delegate for the Junta, Belgrano was entrusted with military command, leading the challenging Paraguay campaign. Despite his earnest efforts, his troops were ultimately defeated by Bernardo de Velasco at the battles of Campichuelo and Paraguarí. However, this seemingly ill-fated campaign was not in vain; it inadvertently ignited a chain of events that culminated in the Independence of Paraguay in May 1811.

Following this, Belgrano strategically retreated to the vicinity of Rosario, tasked with fortifying the area against potential royalist incursions from the Eastern Band of the Uruguay River. It was during this critical period, on February 27, 1812, that Manuel Belgrano unveiled a symbol that would forever define a nation: the Flag of Argentina, with its distinctive light blue and white colors. Initially, the First Triumvirate, the executive power at the time, did not approve its use. Yet, due to the slow communications of the era, Belgrano would only learn of this disapproval weeks later, while reinforcing the Army of the North at Jujuy.

Facing a dire strategic disadvantage against the encroaching royalist armies from Upper Peru, Belgrano made a courageous and drastic decision: the Jujuy Exodus. This monumental evacuation saw the entire population of Jujuy Province moved to San Miguel de Tucumán, a testament to his tactical acumen and concern for his people. His subsequent counter-offensive at the Battle of Tucumán on September 24, 1812, resulted in a crucial strategic victory, effectively turning the tide. This was swiftly followed by a decisive triumph over Pío Tristán's royalist army at the Battle of Salta on February 20, 1813, further solidifying the revolutionary cause. However, his subsequent deeper incursions into Upper Perú led to defeats at Vilcapugio and Ayohuma. These setbacks prompted the Second Triumvirate to replace him as Commander of the Army of the North with the newly arrived General José de San Martín. By this point, the Asamblea del Año XIII had officially approved the use of Belgrano's creation as the national war flag, a powerful symbol of the burgeoning nation.

Diplomatic Missions, the Congress of Tucumán, and the Inca Plan

Following his military command, Belgrano embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Europe alongside Bernardino Rivadavia, seeking crucial international support for the revolutionary government. He returned to his homeland just in time to participate in the momentous Congress of Tucumán in 1816, where Argentina's formal Independence was declared. It was at this historic gathering that he passionately championed the Inca Plan, an innovative proposal to establish a constitutional monarchy with a descendant of the Inca empire as Head of State. This forward-thinking idea garnered support from figures like San Martín, Martín Miguel de Güemes, and many provincial delegates, reflecting a desire for a unifying, indigenous-rooted leadership. However, it met with strong opposition and ultimate rejection from the delegates representing Buenos Aires. Despite this setback, the Congress of Tucumán officially approved his flag as the national flag, securing its place forever in the nation's identity.

After the Congress, Belgrano once again took command of the Army of the North. His mission, however, was now primarily defensive: to protect San Miguel de Tucumán from royalist advances while San Martín meticulously prepared the Army of the Andes for its audacious alternative offensive across the formidable Andes mountains. In a final act of service, when Buenos Aires faced an imminent invasion from forces led by José Gervasio Artigas and Estanislao López, Belgrano moved his army southward. Tragically, in January 1820, his troops mutinied, a disheartening end to his military career.

The End of a Patriot and Enduring Legacy

A life devoted to his country concluded on June 20, 1820, when Manuel Belgrano succumbed to dropsy. His final words, reportedly, were the poignant "¡Ay, Patria mía!" (Oh, my country!), echoing his lifelong dedication. His contributions, from intellectual thought to battlefield leadership and the creation of the national flag, are woven into the very fabric of Argentina. He is remembered not just as a military hero but as a visionary who dreamt of a free, prosperous, and unified nation.

A Specific Engagement: The Battle of Tacuar

Among the many engagements in which General Manuel Belgrano participated, the Battle of Tacuar on March 9, 1811, stands out as a significant clash in Southern Paraguay. This battle pitted Belgrano's revolutionary forces, acting as a member of the Primera Junta government of Argentina, against Paraguayan troops commanded by Colonel Manuel Atanasio Cabañas, who was then in the service of the royalists. This engagement, part of the broader Paraguay campaign, underscored the complex and often challenging nature of the early independence efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Manuel Belgrano

Who was Manuel Belgrano?
Manuel Belgrano was an Argentine economist, lawyer, politician, journalist, and military leader. He is one of Argentina's most revered national heroes, famous for his intellectual contributions to the independence movement and his military leadership, earning him a place among the Libertadores.
When was Manuel Belgrano born and when did he die?
He was born on June 3, 1770, and passed away on June 20, 1820.
What is Manuel Belgrano most famous for?
He is most famous for creating the Flag of Argentina and for his crucial role as a military leader and political strategist during the Argentine Wars of Independence. He is also considered one of the principal Libertadores of the country, a key figure in its foundation.
What was his role in the Argentine Wars of Independence?
Belgrano was a key figure from the outset, supporting the May Revolution and serving in the Primera Junta. He commanded the Army of the North in several campaigns, leading the historic Jujuy Exodus and securing vital victories at the Battle of Tucumán and the Battle of Salta. He also played a diplomatic role and was instrumental in the Congress of Tucumán which declared independence.
What was the "Inca Plan"?
The Inca Plan was a proposal put forth by Belgrano at the Congress of Tucumán to establish a constitutional monarchy in the newly independent Argentina, with a descendant of the Inca royal family serving as the Head of State. This was an attempt to unify the diverse regions and populations of the nascent nation under a shared, indigenous heritage, though it was ultimately rejected by delegates from Buenos Aires.