Class Discussion on Historical Events

The class delves into historical events, focusing on military figures and political transitions in Peru during the early 20th century.

Military Figures and Political Transitions

• Luis Miguel Sánchez Cerro's rise to power as a military figure is discussed.

• Mention of various presidents who came to power through coups, leading to periods of democracy interspersed with military rule.

• Details about Luis Miguel Sánchez Cerro's background as a military leader from Piura and his path to presidency through a coup.

• Insights into Sánchez Cerro's military career, including his heroism in conflicts against Ecuador.

• Discussion on Sánchez Cerro's ascent to power through a coup and subsequent establishment of a military junta.

Elections and Political Rivalries

• Explanation of how David Samanez Ocampo assumed power after a series of political maneuvers following the junta's rule.

• Establishment of the National Jury of Elections by Ocampo for conducting elections in Peru.

• Overview of the 1931 elections where Luis Sánchez Cerro competed against Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre, highlighting their respective parties and rivalry.

Election Outcomes and Controversies

• Analysis of the complex 1931 elections, culminating in Sánchez Cerro's victory over Haya de la Torre despite expectations.

• Exploration of Haya de la Torre's reaction to his electoral defeat, alleging fraud due to losing against a charismatic figure like Sánchez Cerro.

APRista Movement and Unrest

• Examination of the APRA party founded by Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre as a revolutionary force seeking power through various means.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the rebellion of the Apristas in Peru in 1922, focusing on key events and individuals involved.

Rebellion of the Apristas

• The Apristas initiated a rebellion by denouncing dictatorship and rebelling against President Victor Aular. This led to a significant uprising on July 7, 1922, in major cities like Guayas, Trujillo, Chiclayo, and Cajamarca.

• The rebellion was led by young individuals such as Manuel "El Búfalo" Barreto and workers from sugarcane fields in northern Peru.

• The rebels planned to attack a military barracks named Donovan in Trujillo, which was actually an arsenal containing weapons like rifles, dynamite, and ammunition. They seized control of the arsenal and declared Victor Aular as president.

• President Sanchez Cerro responded by sending the army to suppress the rebellion through bombings and house-to-house combat.

• Over 300 Apristas were captured, taken to Chan Chan ruins in Trujillo, and executed in what became known as a massacre. This event established a tradition among Apristas to commemorate fallen comrades every July 7th.

New Section

This section delves into the strained relationship between the APRA party and the armed forces in Peru during President Sanchez Cerro's regime.

APRA Party vs. Armed Forces

• Since its inception, APRA had conflicts with the military forces that persisted until the 1980s.

• President Sanchez Cerro governed with an iron fist aiming to amend the constitution that favored only oligarchs and bourgeoisie.

• He introduced a new constitution in 1933 extending presidential terms from four to six years along with implementing capital punishment.

• Notably, he enforced the Law of Emergency targeting social protests initiated by APRA or communist groups for imprisonment.

• Sanchez Cerro aimed to gain support from indigenous people by abolishing forced labor laws imposed by his predecessor Leguía for road construction projects.

New Section

This part explores Edwin Gamero's mission from Wisconsin University sent to Peru for economic reforms under US influence during economic crises post-1929.

Edwin Gamero's Economic Mission

• Edwin Gamero arrived from Wisconsin University as an economic advisor sent by USA due to Peru's economic dependency on North American capitalism.

• His mission aimed at revamping Peruvian economy post-Great Depression effects through legislations like monetary laws and customs regulations.

• The establishment of Peru's Central Reserve Bank was attributed to Gamero's initiatives enhancing economic stability amidst crises.

New Section

This segment highlights Colombia's conflict with Peru during President Sanchez Cerro's tenure over territorial disputes concerning Leticia region.

Conflict with Colombia

• Leguía favored Colombians during his rule leading to tensions over Leticia territory bordering both countries.

• When Sanchez Cerro assumed power, Peruvians at Leticia sought assistance claiming it as Peruvian land rather than Colombian territory.

levantamiento de peruanos y asesinato del presidente Sánchez Cerro

This section discusses the uprising of Peruvians and the assassination of President Sánchez Cerro.

Uprising and Assassination

• President Sánchez Cerro planned to send soldiers to the conflict zone against Colombia, with around 40,000 soldiers prepared for war.

• Abelardo Mendoza suddenly approached the president's car and shot him with a .36 caliber gun, leading to Sánchez Cerro's assassination.

• The president was immediately taken to the hospital after being shot by Mendoza, who was then killed by the president's personal guard without a trial.

• There was uncertainty surrounding Mendoza being the true assassin as forensic evidence suggested that the fatal shot came from the front, raising suspicions about his role as a scapegoat.

• Many journalists and investigators blamed Commander Óscar Benavides for orchestrating the assassination due to political motives.

Consequences of President Sánchez Cerro's Assassination

This section explores the aftermath of President Sánchez Cerro's assassination and its implications on politics in Peru.

Political Ramifications

• Upon assuming power, Commander Óscar Benavides initiated actions such as declaring war on Colombia and releasing imprisoned Apristas through an amnesty law.

• Benavides' government focused on restoring order with his motto "order, peace, and work," continuing policies initiated during Sánchez Cerro's rule.

• The creation of a general amnesty law led to the release of many Apristas, including Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre, under Benavides' administration.

Subsequent Events and Infrastructure Development

This section delves into further events following Benavides' governance and infrastructure development initiatives in Peru.

Post-Assassination Developments

• On May 15, 1935, Antonio Miró Quesada and his wife were assassinated by Aprista fanatics post which Benavides intensified persecution against Apristas.

Chilean Political History Overview

The speaker delves into Chilean political history, discussing key figures and events that shaped the country's governance.

Chilean Government Construction

• The construction of government buildings in Chile, such as the Congress and the Palace of Justice, is highlighted.

• Emphasis on a man named Bengali who undertook significant modifications favoring workers' rights to support his wife's mayoral candidacy.

Hospital Development and Elections

• Mention of Guillermo Almenara Hospital's establishment during a specific government period.

• Discussion on calling for general elections in 1936, with Luis Antonio Eguiguren emerging as a prominent candidate.

Political Turmoil and Alliances

The narrative unfolds around political turmoil, electoral controversies, and alliances that influenced governance decisions.

Election Controversy

• Louis Antonio Eguiguren wins the 1916 elections but faces annulment due to alleged agreements with certain factions.

• An overview of the annulled 1916 elections due to suspicions of collusion with the Apra party for future benefits.

Manuel Prado Ugarteche's Ascendancy

• Manuel Prado Ugarteche's rise to power through strategic alliances with communists amid World War II dynamics.

• Prado's family background, initial policies, and alignment with communist forces during his tenure are discussed.

Impact of World War II on Peru

The repercussions of World War II on Peru's economy, diplomatic relations, and internal dynamics are explored.

Peruvian Economy Shift

• Peru aligning with communist forces led to economic shifts benefiting from exports during World War II.

• Peru becomes the first Latin American nation to sever ties with Axis powers like Italy and Germany during WWII.

Japanese Community Internment

• Japanese community members faced internment in response to international pressures following Truman's directives.