Peru+-+History


 * General Information || Geography || History || Culture || Political System || Economies || Activities || Teacher's Page  || Peru Home ||

toc

= = = = = = =** History **=
 * Peru ** has a long and proud heritage. There is evidence that some of the world's oldest civilizations settled in Peru. One fascinating civilization, the Incas, built ruins across the highlands and many of their structures still stand today. In the 1530s the Spanish came to Peru and took control of their culture and society and imposed many of their European ideals onto the natives. In 1821 Peru took back its independence with the help of an Argentine solider Jose de San Martin. Today Peru has a stable government and economy and the current President Alan Garcia has made great strides to improve the country.

Peru is home to some of the world's oldest civilizations dating back 11,000 years ago. Peru is also home to the largest dynasty of the Pre-Columbian era, the Inca Empire. Evidences of their settlements dates back thousands of years. In the 1550s Peru was overtaken by Spanish rule. By 1820 freedom was taken back and Peru gained independence. During the 1840s-1860s Peru developed a presidency and was a stable country. However the resources quickly dissipated, the government became unstable and civil unrest was on the rise again. Today the Peruvian government has undergone many changes but major issues have taken place and Peru has tried to fight through the corruption. (Peru Explorer and History of Peru)

=** Native People **=

Evidence of early population dates back thousands of years. For example hunting tools and settlements have been found by archaeologists but not much is known about these native peoples. It is believed that there were civilizations living in Peru before 200 A.D. The Chavin culture is considered the first civilization in South America. Recently however archeologists have discovered settlements they believe date back 3,000 year B.C., around the time of the Mesopotamia and Egyptian civilizations. The Mochica and Nazca civilizations flourished from 200 B.C. - 600 A.D. The most well-known aspect of their culture is their Nazca Lies, which are geometrical lines or shapes drawn on a massive scale. The purpose of the Nazca Lines remains unknown today.
 * Civilizations**



By the 5th century the Tiwanaku and Wari peoples populate the highlands. Their civilizations flourishes from A.D. 400-1000. Later the Sican and Chimu become the prominent peoples and their civilizations lasts from A.D. 800-1470, until they are overrun by the peoples in the Andean highlands, otherwise known as the Incas. (History World)

=** The Incan Empire **=

The Incas were one of the largest empires during their time - their dynasty extended beyond Peru into Ecuador and parts of Columbia, Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. The Incan Empire began as a tribe that originated in Cuzco, which later became their capital. The official language was Quechua, a language that is still spoken in Peru today. (History of Peru) The Incas are known for their well-preserved ruins and the most famous is Machu Picchu. This site is thought to be an estate for the then ruler Pachacuti. Built in the mid-15th century this site was known only to the locals until an American historian Hiram Bingham bought it international attention in 1911 with a book he wrote about the ruins. Today Machu Picchu is a popular tourist attraction and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (Machu Picchu)
 * Machu Picchu**



=** Independence **=

In 1532 a Spaniard named Francisco Pizarro landed in Peru and became quickly attracted by the thriving Incan empire. The Spanish seized control over the empire and conquered its leaders. Once Spain was in control they destroyed many of the roads and projects the Incan empire had built. The Incan people began dying of new diseases bought by the Spanish and their population quickly plummeted. The Spanish enforced the European system of landlords and workers (which consisted of Peruvians). This introduced the people to a two-class system: the few who were wealthy (the Spanish landlords) and the many who became poor (the Peruvians). The persisted for a few hundred years until the 1780s when people began revolting for independence. (Peru Explorer) From 1780 to 1820 revolts occurred in hopes to gain independence from Spain. It was outside help that lead to Peru's independence. An Argentine soldier named Jose de San Martin had already defeated the Spanish in Chile came to Peru's rescue in 1821 with his troops and helped Peru gain their independence that same year. (Peru Explorer)

=** Significant Days in History **=

(Source - Facts About)
 * 1200s-1500s** The Incan built a great empire in Peru
 * 1520s** The Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro led an expedition into Peru
 * 1530s** Pizarro conquered the Incan Empire and made Peru a Spanish colony
 * 1820** Jose de San Martin of Argentina invaded Peru to free the Peruvians from the Spanish rule
 * 1821** Peru declared its independence from Spain
 * 1827** General Jose de la Mar became the first Peruvian president
 * 1879** Spain recognizes the independence of Peru
 * 1975** Quechua, the language of the Inca, was made an official language (along with Spanish) of Peru

=** Peru Today **=

While the economy was in a bad state and there was corruption throughout the government in the 1960s -1990s, the current president Alan Garcia has made strides to improve these situations. The government introduced a new currency in the 1980s, the nuevo sol, which has proven to be more reliable and stable then the previous currency, inti. The poverty rate in Peru has gone down since the election of President Garcia and he has made plans to reduce it even more. The Peruvian government is also seeking ways to expand their economy. (About Peru History)