The final struggle in the Chilean Civil…
August 1891 CE
The final struggle in the Chilean Civil War of 1891, the decisive battle of La Placilla, takes place on August 28.
Concón had been perhaps little more than the destruction of an isolated corps; the second battle is a fair trial of strength, for Balmaceda's generals Barbosa and Alcerreca are well prepared, have massed their troops in a strong position, and have under their command the greater part of the existing forces of the president, but the splendid fighting qualities of the Congressional troops and the superior generalship of their leaders prevails in the end over every obstacle and results in victory for the rebels.
The government army is practically annihilated, nine hundred and forty-one men are killed, including Barbosa and his second in command, and two thousand four hundred and two are wounded.
The Congressional army loses over eighteen thousand men.
Valparaiso is occupied the same evening and three days later the victorious insurgents will enter Santiago and assume the government of the republic soon afterwards.
There will be no further fighting, for so great is the effect of the battles of Concón and La Placilla that even the Coquimbo troops will surrender without firing a shot.