Sucedió en el Perú (TV Perú) - El pueblo y su independencia 27/07/15

The Role of Popular Sectors in Peru's Independence

Introduction to the Topic

• The program focuses on the significance of popular classes in the process of emancipation during Peru's independence, moving beyond individual historical figures.

• Emphasis is placed on guerrillas and montoneras as expressions of popular participation.

Underrepresented Groups in History

• Discussion includes the roles of Afro-Peruvians, enslaved individuals, indigenous people, mestizos, and women—groups often overlooked in official histories.

• The speaker highlights that these sectors were aware of their political options despite lacking formal education compared to higher social classes.

Independence from Below

• Contrary to traditional views that independence was solely a top-down process led by criollos, there is evidence showing grassroots involvement from various popular sectors.

• Historical studies indicate that independence was debated and negotiated at multiple societal levels rather than being unilaterally imposed.

Historical Debates and Key Texts

• Reference to "Shooting Orchxai," a pivotal book published in 1972 by Eraclio Bonilla and Karen Spalding, which sparked debates about the nature of Peru's independence.

• Bonilla and Spalding argued for an interpretation where independence was granted externally rather than achieved through local efforts due to a lack of national consciousness among indigenous populations.

Reactions to Historical Interpretations

• Their thesis led to significant backlash, including calls for Bonilla’s removal from Peruvian nationality amidst heated discussions among historians.

• Jorge Basadre provided a more moderate perspective on these debates while emphasizing the importance of guerrilla actions across different factions during this period.

Contributions from Other Historians

• Raúl Rivera-Cerna’s work highlighted patriotic motivations behind indigenous and mestizo participation in guerrilla warfare against royalists as early as 1958.

• Eladum Bartemple’s research focused on popular action during emancipation, contributing further insights into this complex narrative surrounding Peru's fight for independence.

Indigenous Participation in Rebellions

• Many indigenous communities engaged actively under their leaders (curacas) in failed rebellions throughout early 19th century regions like Tagna and Cusco due to ongoing abuses faced under colonial rule.

Jose de Bascal and the Colonial Context

The Role of Jose de Bascal

• Jose de Bascal is identified as a significant figure in the 19th century, marking the end of Spanish dominance in Peru.

• He is compared to Francisco de Toledo from the 16th century, highlighting his enlightened views and connections with European thought.

• His influence on criollo independence movements suggests he was pivotal in delaying Peru's independence.

Social Dynamics Under Colonial Rule

• The Spanish and criollo populations were a minority in colonial cities like Lima, raising questions about popular uprisings.

• Historian Alberto Flores Galindo argues that colonial administration fostered rivalries among social classes to maintain control.

The Heterogeneity of the Plebe

Composition of the Plebe

• The plebe consisted of diverse social groups including migrants, artisans, and freed slaves, lacking a unified class identity.

• Their participation in independence was chaotic; some supported it while others remained loyal to royalists.

Impact of Slavery on Social Structure

• Freed slaves were part of this heterogeneous group but lacked sufficient power within the new socio-political landscape post-independence.

• They faced stereotyping as criminals or savages by other societal groups due to their marginalized status.

Colonial Military Recruitment Strategies

Recruitment Practices

• The colonial strategy involved recruiting indigenous people and mixed-race individuals into Spanish royalist armies.

• Military service offered privileges for freed slaves, such as military immunity (Fuero Militar), providing them with opportunities for social mobility.

Enlistment Motivations

• Many enslaved individuals viewed joining liberation forces as a path to freedom during the wars of independence.

Complexities Within Independence Movements

Varied Responses Among Afro-descendants

• Not all enslaved individuals joined patriot forces en masse; there were divisions within Afro-descendant communities regarding allegiance.

Shifts in Power Dynamics

• The arrival of foreign armies led to significant changes in colonial power structures, prompting negotiations for rights among enslaved populations.

Guerrilla Warfare and Local Resistance

Formation of Guerrillas

• Following San Martin's arrival, local guerrilla groups formed across regions like Guarochiri and Canta, driven by resentment towards colonial rule.

Diverse Participation

Role of Guerrillas in the Independence Movement

Contributions of Women and Local Leaders

• Women played a crucial role by supporting their families and providing daily sustenance during the independence struggle.

• In October 1820, San Martín sent troops to the Sierra Central, emphasizing local organization for resource gathering to support the patriot army.

Resource Mobilization

• Significant contributions included 3,000 loaves of bread, potatoes, grains, firewood, and coca for the patriots as Álvarez de Arinales traveled through key cities.

• Local leaders were appointed as commanders and governors in liberated provinces; Francisco de Paula Otero was notably supported by both locals and military forces.

Role of Montoneros

• Montoneros significantly disrupted royalist armies throughout the 19th century; their knowledge of local terrain aided guerrilla warfare against Spanish forces.

• Key guerrilla leaders emerged from various regions, contributing to military actions that challenged royalist control.

Perception Among Creoles

• Creoles viewed popular participation with mixed feelings; while they appreciated grassroots involvement, they preferred regular army structures over irregular forces.

• In December 1820, Álvarez de Arenales achieved a victory against royalists at Cerro de Pasco before rejoining San Martín's main force near Lima.

Impact on Lima's Society

• The siege of Lima highlighted the importance of guerrillas; British traveler Basil Hall described them as aggressive yet disciplined fighters.

• The first sighting of the national flag in Lima occurred around September 1820 amidst growing tensions between montoneros and loyalist factions.

Fear Among Elites

• Wealthy residents feared potential uprisings similar to those seen in France due to armed indigenous groups surrounding Lima under San Martín’s command.

• Concerns grew about banditry among montoneras exploiting chaos for theft amid fears of social upheaval against affluent classes.

Consequences of War on Resources

The Role of Guerrillas in the Independence of Peru

Guerrilla Warfare and Strategic Decisions

• Between 1820 and 1821, guerrillas blocked communication between Lima and the Sierra Central, supporting General San Martín's troops. This caused significant supply issues for the royalist army.

• The Viceroy José de la Serna abandoned Lima on July 6 due to constant attacks from guerrillas, leading to the patriots' entry into the city on July 9 amidst public celebrations.

• After royalist forces withdrew from Lima, San Martín faced a controversial decision influenced by wealthy citizens who feared social upheaval; he restricted guerrilla access to the city.

• San Martín's actions were seen as a missed opportunity for decisive combat against royalists. He prioritized stabilizing society over accelerating revolutionary momentum.

Recognition of Guerrilla Contributions

• The contributions of guerrillas in Central Sierra were acknowledged by figures like British military officer Guillermo Miller, who believed their support could have shortened the war significantly.

Proclamation of Independence

• With temporary backing from Lima's nobility, San Martín proclaimed independence in Plaza de Armas on July 28, 1821. He awarded medals to guerrillas inscribed with "Lima libre."

Social Reforms and Challenges

• Following his establishment of a protectorate, San Martín abolished indigenous tribute but struggled with implementation due to war costs. In August 1821, he declared freedom for children born to enslaved mothers post-independence.

• By September 1822, San Martín left Peru without solidifying independence; chaos ensued as criollo leaders failed to manage the situation effectively.

Resistance Against Royalists

• José Olaia Valandra was executed by royalists in June 1823 for aiding patriots. In response, Congress called upon Simón Bolívar for assistance in reversing setbacks.

Mobilization Efforts

• Recruitment efforts expanded under Bolívar’s leadership; initially exempt individuals were later included in military service as all able-bodied men were called upon.

• Economic contributions from Peruvian towns were crucial; Bolívar mandated general contributions for liberating army expenses in February 1824.

Local Support and Logistics

• For final campaigns against Junín and Ayacucho, regional organizations provided specific supplies such as clothing and footwear essential for troop readiness.

• Promises made to contributors regarding reimbursement after victory often went unfulfilled or delayed significantly due to administrative irregularities during reconstruction efforts post-war.

Independence and Its Complexities in Peru

The Role of Elites and the Indigenous Population

• The independence of Peru primarily benefited the wealthy, landowners, and oligarchs, while the indigenous population remained marginalized. Bolívar aimed to wage a relentless war against royalists.

• Bolívar's military strategy involved isolating Lima to secure independence for other countries before reaching Peru, highlighting his distinct approach compared to San Martín.

• Guerrilla warfare was prevalent in Central Sierra during both San Martín's and Bolívar's campaigns. The Guanca nation had a unique history tied to colonialism but actively participated in the independence struggle.

Contributions of Women in the Independence Movement

• Women played a significant role by forming guerrillas and leading local uprisings. Notable figures include Juana Toribio Ara, who supported the Tagna rebellion, and María Parado de Bellido, who aided guerrillas alongside her family.

• Many women known as "rabonas" supported troops by providing food and medical care during battles. Their contributions were crucial despite their humble backgrounds.

• Women also engaged in secret correspondence among patriots; many faced arrest or execution due to their involvement in these activities.

Impact of War on Communities

• The war caused extensive destruction in rural areas like Canayo compared to urban centers such as Lima. Realist forces devastated Cerro de Pazco multiple times, forcing patriots into hiding with vulnerable populations.

• The Battle of Ayacucho on December 9, 1824, marked a decisive victory for patriots over Virey La Serna’s army, effectively ending Spanish rule in Peru.

Indigenous Reactions Post-Independence

• In 1826, the Huanta indigenous community rebelled against the Republic declaring loyalty to Spain due to their historical resistance against colonial domination.

• With independence came new challenges for indigenous communities as they faced exploitation under republican governance rather than colonial rule.

Economic Challenges Following Independence

• Peru emerged from its fight for independence with severe economic issues affecting key sectors like textiles, agriculture, and mining due to prolonged conflict between opposing armies.