# José de San Martín

> Argentine general and independence leader (1778–1850)

**Wikidata**: [Q134160](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134160)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/José_de_San_Martín)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jose-de-san-martin

## Summary
José de San Martín was an Argentine general and independence leader who lived from 1778 to 1850. He played a pivotal role in the Spanish American wars of independence, leading military campaigns in the Argentine, Chilean, and Peruvian conflicts. His legacy as a military strategist and national hero is commemorated through numerous awards, geographic locations, and institutions named in his honor across South America and Antarctica.

## Biography
- **Born:** February 25, 1778
- **Nationality:** Argentine
- **Education:** Honorary doctorate of the National University of San Marcos
- **Known for:** Leadership in the independence of Argentina, Chile, and Peru
- **Employer(s):** Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers
- **Field(s):** Military affairs, politics

## Contributions
- **Argentine War of Independence:** Contributed to the conflict that resulted in Argentina declaring independence on July 9, 1816.
- **Battle of San Lorenzo:** Fought in this 1813 battle during the Argentine War of Independence.
- **Chilean War of Independence:** Participated in the 1812–1827 conflict between patriots and royalists, which resulted in the de facto independence of Chile.
- **Peruvian War of Independence:** Involved in the 1811–1824 war between Spanish Royalists and Patriot forces, which led to the independence of Peru.
- **Peninsular War:** Participated in the 1807–1814 conflict during the Napoleonic Wars.
- **Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers:** Associated with the inception of this cavalry unit of the Argentine Army on March 16, 1812.
- **Lautaro Lodge:** Member of this Masonic lodge, which was established in 1812.

## FAQs
**What was José de San Martín's full name?**
His full name was José Francisco de San Martín y Matorras.

**Which wars did José de San Martín participate in?**
He fought in the War of the Oranges, the Peninsular War, the Battle of San Lorenzo, the Argentine War of Independence, the Chilean War of Independence, and the Peruvian War of Independence.

**What awards did José de San Martín receive?**
He received the Order of the Sun of Peru and an honorary doctorate from the National University of San Marcos.

**What places are named after José de San Martín?**
Numerous locations bear his name, including San Martín Province in Peru, San Martin Department in Peru, Libertador General José de San Martín Airport, San Martín Base in Antarctica, and O'Higgins/San Martín Lake.

**What military unit was he associated with?**
He was associated with the Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers, a cavalry unit of the Argentine Army.

## Why They Matter
José de San Martín is a foundational figure in the history of South America, instrumental in the liberation of Argentina, Chile, and Peru from Spanish colonial rule. His military leadership during the early 19th century helped shape the geopolitical landscape of the continent, leading to the establishment of sovereign nations. His influence persists today through the Order of the Liberator General San Martín, a national honor, and the enduring cultural memory of his role in the independence movements.

## Notable For
- Serving as an Argentine general and independence leader from 1778 to 1850.
- Participation in the Peninsular War (1807–1814) and the War of the Oranges.
- Leadership in the Battle of San Lorenzo in 1813.
- Founding or association with the Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers in 1812.
- Membership in the Lautaro Lodge, a Masonic lodge established in 1812.
- Receiving the Order of the Sun of Peru, the nation's highest award.
- Possession of the historic Curved saber of San Martín.
- Having the Order of the Liberator General San Martín named in his honor.
- The naming of Libertador General José de San Martín Airport in Argentina.
- The naming of San Martín Base, an Antarctic research station.
- The naming of O'Higgins/San Martín Lake, located in Argentina and Chile.
- The naming of San Martín Province and San Martin Department in Peru.

## Body

### Identity and Personal Life
José de San Martín, full name José Francisco de San Martín y Matorras, was a human, military personnel, politician, soldier, and general. He was born on February 25, 1778, and died on August 17, 1850. He held Argentine citizenship and is also known by the aliases Don José de San Martín, Libertador General San Martín, and General San Martín.

### Military Career and Conflicts
San Martín's career was defined by his participation in several major conflicts of the early 19th century. He served in the War of the Oranges and the Peninsular War (1807–1814), the latter occurring during the Napoleonic Wars. In South America, he was a central figure in the Argentine War of Independence, the conflict that led to the sovereign state of Argentina declaring independence on July 9, 1816. He specifically fought in the Battle of San Lorenzo in 1813. His military efforts extended beyond Argentina, contributing to the Chilean War of Independence (1812–1827) and the Peruvian War of Independence (1811–1824).

### Military Affiliations and Organizations
He was associated with the Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers, a cavalry unit of the Argentine Army that was established on March 16, 1812, with headquarters in Buenos Aires. Additionally, he was connected to the Lautaro Lodge, a Masonic lodge with an inception date of 1812. His work spanned the fields of military affairs and politics.

### Awards and Recognition
For his civil and military merit, San Martín received the Order of the Sun of Peru, the highest award bestowed by the nation of Peru, which was instituted on October 8, 1821. He also received an honorary doctorate from the National University of San Marcos. In Argentina, the Order of the Liberator General San Martín was established in his honor on August 17, 1943.

### Legacy and Namesakes
The legacy of José de San Martín is preserved through numerous geographic and institutional namesakes. In Peru, both the San Martín Province and the San Martin Department are named after him. In Argentina, the Libertador General José de San Martín Airport bears his name. He is also commemorated in the name of O'Higgins/San Martín Lake, a body of water located in Argentina and Chile. Scientific research in Antarctica is conducted at the San Martín Base, an Argentine base named in his honor. Additionally, the Curved saber of San Martín is preserved as a historic artifact.

## References

1. Dialnet
2. BnF authorities
3. [El general José de San Martín y sus oportunidades de arribo a Montevideo. 2007](http://www.centronaval.org.ar/boletin/BCN817/817pares.pdf)
4. [La interminable espera de Rosa Guarú](https://www.pagina12.com.ar/especiales/sanmartin/pag07.htm)
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. Find a Grave
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
11. Roglo
12. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
13. Croatian Encyclopedia
14. IMDb
15. SNAC
16. CERL Thesaurus
17. authority file of the National Library of Uruguay