Peru in the 1830s

The creation of the Peru-Bolivian Confederation has Andrés de Santa Cruz to thank.  Early on in his life he saw the benefits of bringing the countries together. Unfortunately, it took longer than he would have liked because Bolivia and Peru lived in a discombobulated state for quite some time. In 1826, Simón Bolívar returned to Bolivia and discussed establishing a Federation with Bolivia, Peru, and even Colombia. Believing it to be “the arch of salvation that would rescue the new republics from the shipwreck that threatened them from all quarters.”[1] Santa Cruz backed Bolívar immediately, willing to seize any opportunity to join these countries together. Political issues in Colombia and Peru made Bolívar give up hope for a federation, but Santa Cruz did not give up. He worked with Bolivian president Antonio José de Sucre and together they established a constitution in both Peru and Bolivia. Santa Cruz’s determination allowed Bolívar to believe again in a federation between the countries, even if it did not include Colombia anymore. 

Despite Santa Cruz’s success with Peru’s new constitution, the countries would not join at this time due to their differences. Santa Cruz still loved Peru, writing how he hated to be considered a foreigner just because he came from La Paz, he dedicated most of his professional life to the existence of Peru.[2] These worries arose after his election to be Bolivia’s president in late 1828, despite his ties to Bolivia he wrote, “I will never allow myself to be separated from Peruvian service.”[3] Once he accepted his role as president, he had many affairs to manage. He had battles to focus on, in the end he succeeded and made it clear of his pride in Peru, but his loyalties now laid with his birth country, Bolivia, and he would focus on his responsibilities to it first.[4] Santa Cruz embraced his new nationality with vigor, but never gave up hope of joining with Peru and creating one great nation. 

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