Sucedió del Perú - Conversación sobre el bicentenario - Bloque 2/5

Summary

This transcript explores the political climate in Peru during the early stages of its war for independence, focusing on the surprising loyalty of Peru to Spain in the initial years. The discussion highlights the influence of Spanish liberal ideas, the role of key figures like Fernando VII, and the growing resistance to absolutism in Peru. It details how the implementation of the Cádiz Constitution fostered a new political culture, leading to a rejection of absolutism and a move toward liberal governance. The story includes the transition from royalist to independence movements, ultimately shaping Peru's path to emancipation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The independence movement in Peru was initially characterized by loyalty to Spain, particularly through the support of liberal ideas from Spain.
• 😀 The Peruvian elite, including the nobility, local councils, and the audiencia, formed strong support for the Viceroy and the monarchy, leading to stability in the early phase of the independence struggle.
• 😀 The political crisis in Spain, particularly after the French invasion, triggered a shift towards liberal ideas, which found resonance in Peru.
• 😀 The Spanish liberals, in response to the despotism they identified in the pre-1808 Spanish monarchy, advocated for a constitutional monarchy with limited royal powers, similar to the British model.
• 😀 The Constitution of Cádiz was a critical document in the liberal movement in Spain, proposing a parliamentary monarchy and a system that would limit the monarch's absolute powers.
• 😀 In 1814, when Fernando VII returned to Spain and re-established absolutism, it disrupted the liberal movement and marked a turning point in the relationship between Spain and its colonies.
• 😀 The re-establishment of absolutism in Spain triggered a shift in political thinking in Peru, as the ideas of the Spanish liberals had already transformed the political landscape, leading to a rejection of absolutism.
• 😀 In Peru, between 1811 and 1814, there was a significant political transformation as liberals introduced new ideas such as freedom of press and the establishment of representative government through municipal elections and provincial assemblies.
• 😀 The failure of the Spanish royalist government in Chile, particularly after defeats in 1817 and 1818, highlighted Spain's weakened position, leading to a rise in pro-independence sentiments in Peru.
• 😀 The Peruvian elite, through figures like José de la Riva Agüero, increasingly adopted the language of liberalism to advocate for independence and reject Spanish despotism, aligning with the goals of figures like San Martín.

Q & A

Why did Peru maintain loyalty to Spain during the early stages of the independence movement?

Peru remained loyal to Spain initially due to the influence of the liberal political culture introduced by the Spanish constitutional reforms, which aligned with the interests of the local elites and key political figures in Peru. This loyalty was also supported by the continuity of Spanish royal authority, especially with the presence of the Viceroy and the alignment with the Spanish monarchy, even as political changes occurred in Europe.

How did the political culture in Peru evolve between 1811 and 1814?

Between 1811 and 1814, a significant shift in political culture occurred in Peru, driven by the influence of liberal ideas from Spain. This included the introduction of a new political language, the possibility of political debate, and the creation of representative bodies like municipal councils and provincial assemblies. These developments fostered a rejection of absolutist power structures, leading to the transformation of local political consciousness.

What role did the liberal movement in Spain play in Peru's shift towards independence?

The liberal movement in Spain, which sought to reduce royal absolutism and introduce a constitutional monarchy, significantly influenced Peru. The liberal ideas, including the push for a parliamentary monarchy and civil liberties, resonated with certain segments of the Peruvian population. These ideas were introduced through publications, sermons, and political discourse, which ultimately shaped the Peruvian independence movement.

What happened when King Ferdinand VII returned to Spain and restored absolutism in 1814?

When King Ferdinand VII returned to Spain in 1814 after being freed from captivity, he restored absolutism, abolishing the Constitution of Cádiz and rejecting the liberal reforms. This decision was a turning point, as it made it clear to the people of Spanish America, including Peru, that the monarch's return meant a return to despotic rule, which many had learned to reject during the period of liberal reform.

What effect did King Ferdinand VII's restoration of absolutism have on the independence movement in Peru?

Ferdinand VII’s restoration of absolutism undermined the loyalty to the Spanish crown in Peru. It fueled discontent, especially among the liberal-leaning sectors, and accelerated the desire for independence. The reinstatement of absolutism in Spain was seen as a betrayal, and it led to the formation of pro-independence groups that sought a new political order based on liberty and representative government.

How did the battle of Chacabuco and the defeat of the Spanish in Chile affect the situation in Peru?

The defeat of the Spanish forces in Chile, particularly after the Battle of Chacabuco in 1817 and the subsequent loss at the Battle of Maipú in 1818, weakened Spain's position in South America. These events demonstrated that the Spanish empire was losing control, and this realization spread to Peru, making it harder for the Spanish to maintain the narrative of a strong, supportive relationship with their colonies.

What were the '28 Causes' and how did they reflect the changing political sentiment in Peru?

The '28 Causes' were a series of arguments written by José de la Riva Agüero, expressing the need for independence and a government of liberties in Peru. These causes reflected the growing disillusionment with Spanish rule, particularly with the absolutist policies of the Spanish crown, and the desire for a political system aligned with liberal ideals.

Why did the period between 1811 and 1814 have such a significant impact on Peruvian political consciousness?

The period between 1811 and 1814 was pivotal because it marked the introduction of liberal political ideas in Peru, particularly through the influence of the Constitution of Cádiz. The period allowed for the emergence of a new political culture that embraced freedom of expression, representative government, and constitutional monarchy. This shift in political consciousness made it impossible for the people to accept the return of absolutism in 1814.

How did the introduction of representative government in Peru change the political landscape?

The introduction of representative government in Peru, through the establishment of constitutional town councils and provincial assemblies, allowed for greater political participation and the development of a more democratic political culture. This shift was fundamental in shaping the Peruvian independence movement, as it empowered the people and undermined the traditional absolutist structures that had previously dominated.

What role did Baquijano play in the early liberal movement in Peru?

Baquijano was a key figure in the early liberal movement in Peru, especially for his involvement in advocating for freedom of the press and against despotism. He was recognized for his defense of liberal ideals, particularly in the context of the debates surrounding political representation and the rights of the people under Spanish rule. His actions and writings helped to promote the spread of liberal ideas in the region.