The reformism and separatism in Peru were antagonistic positions were maintained for independence, political, social and economic process that was promoted by various sectors of society and created the conditions for the break with the Spanish Empire.
Each one with its differences will contribute to the emancipation of Peru. In them, there are economic and social characteristics that make a difference in their approaches.
Peru's independence.
Separatism in Peru
The separatist position is considered by historians and analysts as the radical position. This proposed that the moment to achieve independence had arrived and therefore, ties with Spain should be broken.
Fundamentally, separatism was a political movement that promoted autonomy. Although it had an ideological structure, the taking of arms was one of its main proposed methods, either through conspiracies or revolutions.
The revolutionary feat was for the separatists the goal that would lead them to independence. His ideas were propagated throughout the Peruvian territory, many times under the premise that peaceful processes and procedures before the authorities did not lead anywhere.
According to the separatists, the Spanish colonial system was based on exploitation and domination. The only way to end years of oppression was through the independence struggle.
Separatism was basically the political expression of the underprivileged classes of Peru. It was made up especially of artisans, professionals, merchants and people who did not have access to relevant positions in the colony's bureaucracy.
The main separatist ideologues were: Juan Pablo Vizcardo, José de la Riva Agüero, José Faustino Sánchez Carrión.
Reformism in Peru
Unlike the separatist position, the reformists based their actions and thinking on the idea that adherence to the legislation of the Spanish crown should be maintained. The laws were good and provided the legal framework for coexistence in society.
The changes that were to occur in the less privileged sectors of Peru would be achieved through the implementation of reforms by the crown. They did not promote independence or any break with the established order.
Those who formed the majority part of the reformist position were mainly rich Creoles or people of well-off economic situation.
The reformists were mainly in Lima, where the high elite proposed adjustments for the maintenance of the political and administrative apparatus.
Although they raised criticism against the colonial system, they believed that there was no need to sever ties with Spain for the progress and well-being of the people.
The main exponents of Peruvian reformism were: José Baquíjano y Carrillo, Hipólito Unanue and Mariano Alejo Álvarez.
Both positions, reformist and separatist, have been exposing their ideas for centuries, contributing with speeches, proclamations and writings to the benefit of the liberating cause. The Independence of Peru ends up being obtained in the year 1821, after the wars of emancipation.
References
- Independence of Peru. (2017). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from Wikipedia: wikipedia.org.
- The Reformist Position in the Independence Process. (sf). Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from Historia del Perú: historiadelperu.carpetapedagogica.com.
- The Separatist Position in the process of Independence. (sf). Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from Historia del Perú: historiadelperu.carpetapedagogica.com.
- Gómez, F. (2010). Separatist precursors of Peru. Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from Amautacuna de Historia: amautacunadehistoria.com.
- The Independence of Peru: main precursors. (2015). Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from El Popular: elpopular.pe.