Alvear, Carlos María de

Alvear, Carlos María de (kär`lōs märē`ä dā älvāär`), 1789–1852, Argentine general and statesman. After distinguished service with the Spanish army in Europe, he returned to Argentina with his friend San Martín and became a leader in the domestic revolution of 1812 and a member of the constituent assembly of 1813. He was in command of the patriot army when the Spanish royalists at Montevideo capitulated (1814). In 1815 Alvear was named supreme director of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, but was deposed when he attempted to become a dictator. In the war with Brazil he won the decisive battle of Ituazingó (Feb. 20, 1827). From 1838 until his death he was minister to the United States.