The Rio de la Plata invasions ,sometimes also called the South American War, refers to the unsuccessful British invasions in South America from 1806-1807 during the Napoleonic Wars.
British forces invaded Spanish colonies in South America three times in 1806-1807. In June, 1806, when Spain was allied with France during the Napoleonic Wars, a British force of 1,500 men under Colonel William Carr Beresford landed near Buenos Aires and occupied the city on June 27 (the 1st invasion), but was defeated by the colonial militia and forced to surrender in December, 1806. In February, 1807 British reinforcements of 8,000 men under General Sir Samuel Auchmuty captured Montevideo (the 2nd invasion) after a fierce fight. In May Lieutenant-General John Whitelock arrived to take overall command and attacked Buenos Aires on July 5, 1807 (the 3rd invasion). After having more than half his forces killed and captured, Whitelock signed a cease-fire and left for Great Britain, where he was court-martialed and cashiered.
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