San Martin did just that, securing Argentinian independence and liberating Chile and Peru from Spanish rule in part through a daring march across the Andes. Though he met with Simon Bolivar, liberator of several northern South American countries, they were unable to agree to greater cooperation.
He was promoted to captain in 1804. During his stay in Cádiz he was influenced by the ideas of the Spanish Enlightenment. ... On 19 July 1808, Spanish and French forces engaged in the battle of Bailén, a Spanish victory that allowed the Army of Andalusia to attack and seize Madrid.
