Final answer:
José de San Martín was a key figure in the South American independence movements, leading forces in Argentina, Chile, and Peru, facing challenges in Peru, and ultimately conceding leadership to Simón Bolívar before going into exile.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to summarize the passage is to highlight the key contributions of José de San Martín to the independence movements in South America, his strategic military campaigns, and his decision to step away from military leadership, allowing Simón Bolívar to take over. San Martín, instrumental in the liberation of Argentina and Chile, then turned his focus to Peru, the stronghold of Spanish power. Despite initial successes and being named Protector of Peru, he faced insurmountable challenges such as the loyalty of Peruvian royalists to Spain, and limitations in resources and support. Eventually, San Martín met with Bolívar in 1822, but with differences between them and diminishing support for San Martín's forces, he decided to withdraw from the fight, ceding leadership to Bolívar and moving into voluntary exile in Europe.