THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT HISTORICAL FACTS OF PERU - HISTORY - 2025

Some of the most important historical events of Peru are its independence in 1821, the battle of Ayacucho or the war of Spain against Peru and Chile: May 2, 1866.

These historical events have enriched the historical and cultural heritage of Peru, giving rise to a long history with heroes and villains.

Jose San Martin

Independence of Peru: July 15, 1821

The Act of Independence of Peru, which proclaimed the independence of the Republic of Peru from the Spanish settlers, was drawn up by Manuel Pérez de Tudela from Arica and signed on July 15, 1821 by 339 prominent men of the city.

Argentine General José de San Martín declared the event loudly in the Plaza Mayor in Lima on July 28 of that same year.

Battle of Ayacucho: December 9, 1824

The Viceroyalty of Peru is without effect at the end of December 1824, with the victory of the Battle of Ayacucho, by the hand of the Venezuelan Liberator Simón Bolívar.

Bolívar's troops left Spanish power without effect, leaving in their wake more than 2,000 men fallen, among dead and wounded, and about 3,000 prisoners.

The splendid victory of Ayacucho ensured the triumph of independent America.

War of Spain against Peru and Chile: May 2, 1866

It took place in the port of El Callao, in Peru. The Peruvian army was at an obvious disadvantage, but thanks to the support of Bolivian, Chilean, Bolivian, and Mexican troops, the peoples of South America were victorious.

The Spanish battery consisted of 7 main frigates, plus an army of small ships. Altogether, they added more than 245 pieces of artillery.

On the other hand, the Peruvian army barely had some very poorly equipped ships for battle.

However, they managed to kill the frigates of the opposite side, sealing the decisive victory over the Spanish empire.

The War of the Pacific (1879-1883)

The contenders in this conflict were on the one hand Peru and Bolivia (allies), and on the other extreme, Chile.

The dispute, also known as the “Guano and Saltpeter War”, was carried out over coastal control, which today corresponds to the north of Chile.

During the War of the Pacific, five campaigns occurred: the Maritime Campaign (1879), the Tarapacá Campaign (1879), the Tacna and Arica Campaign (1880), the Lima Campaign (1880) and the Sierra Campaign (1881-1884).

In 1884 the countries involved signed a truce, and Chile achieved its goal of definitively seizing the Department of Tarapaca.

Discovery of Machu Picchu: July 24, 1911

The American professor and adventurer Hiram Bingham was the discoverer of the Inca citadel Machu Picchu, on July 24, 1911.

The ruins of this imposing city were completely covered by the vegetation of the area, but after several days of expedition, the discovery of Machu Picchu finally occurred, at 2430 meters above sea level.

Today, this wonderful work of the Inca infrastructure is one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

References

1. The discovery of Machu Picchu: Hiram Bingham (2012). Recovered from: machupicchu.origenandino.com
2. Gonzáles, A. (2010). Pacific War. Recovered from: historiacultural.com
3. History of Chile: evolution of the republic, History, Geography and Social Sciences (2014). Recovered from: icarito.cl
4. History of Peru (2014). Recovered from: adonde.com
5. Lorente, C. (2006). History of Peru summarized for the use of schools and illustrated people. National University of San Marcos. Lima Peru. Recovered from: sisbib.unmsm.edu.pe
6. Tovar, A. (2013). Peru timeline. Recovered from: line.do.