What was the outcome of the Battle of Rancagua in 1814?

The Battle of Rancagua, which took place on October 1 and 2, 1814, resulted in a significant defeat for the Chilean patriot forces led by Bernardo O’Higgins.123

Despite a heroic defense of the city, the republican troops were overcome by Spanish royalist forces. This outcome had two major consequences for the Chilean struggle for independence:2

• End of La Patria Vieja: The defeat allowed Spain to reestablish its military supremacy in the region, effectively ending the period known as la patria vieja ("the old fatherland").13
• Exile of Patriot Leaders: Following the loss, key patriot leaders, including O’Higgins and the Carrera brothers, were forced to migrate to [Argentina].13

This period of exile proved pivotal, as it led O’Higgins to join forces with José de San Martín. Together, they organized the army that would eventually return to liberate Chile at the Battle of Chacabuco in 1817.413