A Short History of PERU
Origins of civilization in Peru can be traced back 20,000 years before the Incas and is one of the cradles of ancient cultures along with Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, & China.
Peru stands as a result of a collision between the Western and Andean world, which began with the arrival of the Spanish in 1532 and continues to evolve today.
Earliest settlers are thought to have arrived via the Bering Strait, crossing from present day Russia to North America, during the last Ice Age 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. Early migration may have also come from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
First evidence of human civilization in Peru comes from 20,000 BCE where human skeletons and stone tools were discovered. The tribes followed animal migration patterns and were hunters. Around 2,900 BCE, they began to plant crops. Scientists believe the potato, Peru’s staple was first cultivated around 8,000 years ago by farmers living near Lake Titicaca.
Fishing, agriculture, and trade formed the economic base of the Preceramic Period from 2700-1800 BCE. There was an active exchange of goods between the coast and highland communities.
The oldest city in the new world, 5,000 year old Caral shows complex planning, centralized decision-making, & the mobilization of a large labor force. Drought probably led to the city been abandoned after some 500 years.
The Chavin culture, the best known of the early Peruvian civilizations, flourished from 1,000BCE-CE200. They managed to unite coastal, highland, and eastern lowland societies with a powerful religious ideology. Finely carved stone structures depict the worship of a supreme feline deity.
The Chavin’s influence began to wane around 300 BCE but their ability to unify communities through religion resonates even today.
Regional Development Period (200 BCE-900CE) – Numerous regional cultures began to emerge throughout the country.
Moche – northern coast
Recuay and Cajamarca – northern highlands
Lima – cental coast
Nazca – southern coast
Wari and Tiahuananco – southern highlands
Conquering Kingdoms period (900CE – 1532CE)
The Incas – 1197-1532, who created Peru’s first multicultural society, descended from the families based around Cusco, the heart of a confederation of tribes. By the 15th century, the Inca empire covered more than a third of South America. The region was united under one social system and language.
Exploration & Conquest – In 1524 the conquistador Francisco Pizarro set out to explore Peru. He returned to Spain with impressive stories and treasure. In 1529 he was authorized by Charles I to conquer Peru.
The Spanish invasion was one of the first and bloodiest clashes between the Old and New Worlds. The Spanish conquest and colonization (1532-1821) driven by the lure of gold and evangelical zeal, tore apart the society and created a divide between the colonizers and defeated natives. The conquistadores introduced the language and religion that most Peruvians still speak and adhere to.
Peru gained complete independence from Spain in 1824 after forces led by Jose de San Martin, who also liberated Argentian and Chile. He ceded control to Venezuelan general Simon Bolivar, liberator of Venezuela, Columbia, & Ecuador.
In the forty years after independence, the presidency changed hands 35 times, with 15 different constitutions.
The War of the Pacific (1879-1883)
Sparked off by a dispute over control of the nitrate-rich beds of the northern Atacama Desert on the Pacific coast, the War of the Pacific was fought between Chile and the joined forces of Bolivia and Peru. Peru ceded substantial territory and endured widespread pillaging by the conquering Chilean forces. There remains today a bitter rivalry and dislike among the nations.
The government oscillated between democracy and military dictatorship over the next hundred years. In 1980, the first fully democratic election took place. High inflation and corruption were unfortunately prevalent.
Between 1980-2000, some 70,000 Peruvians were killed by Maoist and Marxist terrorists and the military forces fighting them.
In 2001, Peru elected their first president of Indian descent, Alejandro Toledo. Alan Garcia is the country’s current president, having been elected in 2006. Garcia was also President from 1985 to 1990. He helped steer Peru to strong economic growth and an export boom, but his presidency was dogged by scandals and misappropriation of funds in the 80’s.
Peru has enjoyed relative economic stability and political calmness over the last 10 years. Poverty remains high, and the divide between the rich and poor is quite staggering. Sadly, social integration is an issue as well.
