Serna, José de la

Serna, José de la

(hōsā` thā lä sār`nä), 1770–1832, Spanish general, viceroy of Peru (1821–24). In 1821 the military leaders, dissatisfied with Viceroy PezuelaPezuela, Joaquín de la
, d. 1830, Spanish general, viceroy of Peru (1816–21). During the South American wars of independence from Spain he fought against the insurgent armies but was forced to resign because of his vacillation in meeting the forces of José de
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 and his conduct of the war against José de San MartínSan Martín, José de
, 1778–1850, South American revolutionist, b. Yapeyú, in present-day Argentina. After service with the Spanish army in Europe, he returned (1812) to join the revolution against Spain in his native country.
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, deposed Pezuela and named José de la Serna in his place; he was confirmed in the office by Spain. Forced to evacuate Lima, he made Cuzco his capital and preserved some show of royal government until the defeat at AyacuchoAyacucho
, city (1993 pop. 105,918), capital of Ayacucho dept., S central Peru. It is a commercial center in a rich mining region that produces gold, silver, and nickel. Agriculture and light industry are the mainstays of the economy.
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, where he was captured.