The Battle of Chacabuco took place on February 12, 1817, during the Chilean War of Independence. It was a decisive conflict between the forces of the Chilean patriot leader José de San Martín and the Spanish royalists. The battle occurred near the town of Chacabuco, where San Martín's troops successfully defeated the Spanish, leading to the liberation of Santiago. Following the victory at Chacabuco, San Martín's forces gained control of much of central Chile. This battle was crucial in the broader struggle for independence in South America, contributing to the eventual downfall of Spanish colonial rule in the region.