Flag of the Peru-Bolivan Confederacy Map of the Peru-Bolivan Confederacy The Peru-Bolvian Confederacy was a Short-live stated that existed in South America between the years 1836 and 1839. Its only President (under the Title of "Supreme Protector") was Andres de Santa Cruz. It was a loose Union between the States of Peru (by this time, divided in North Peru and South Peru) and Bolivia. The Confederacy fell apart after being defeated in the Battle of Yungay. Its capital was located in Tacna.
Born of the Confederacy
The Peru-Bolivian Confederacy was the only plan that succeded in his attemp of reuniting "Alto Peru" (Bolivia) and "Bajo Peru (Peru)" in a single political and economic entity. Becouse of the great distances that separate "Alto Peru" with its administrative capital, Buenos Aires, a Union with Peru was widely supported in the territory. Simon Bolivar, having liberated Peru, and destroying the last remmants of the Spanish Army, didn´t approve the Union, and urged the creation of a separated and independent State. The Republic of Bolivia (named in his honor) was born, with Bolivar as its first President. Political unrest and turmoil forced Bolivar to return to Colombia, leaving Antonio de Sucre in charge. Nevertheless, the plan for reuniting Peru and Bolivia didn´t fade away.
Santa Cruz and Gamarra
Antonio de Sucre was appointed President, but political pressure from the Pervian Republic and internal turmoil made it difficult to organize the new state. General Agustin Gamarra, with an Army of nearly 5000 peruvian soldiers where marching towards Bolivia, with two orders: Force the Colombian Army to withdraw and the creation of a new constitution for that country. An armed uprising in Chuquisaca was quickly use by Gamarra as an excuse to invade the country. The Peruvian Army enter La Paz in May 28, 1822. Under this circunstances, Sucre was forced to resign in September, leaving the country. Andres de Santa Cruz was elected President of Bolivia, position that he will hold for the next 10 years.
Both Gamarra and Santa Cruz agreed that the separation of Peru and Bolivia was a mistake that should be solved. The plan for a Federation or at least a Confederacy whas accepted, but they disagree in other issues. Gamarra was in favor of a Peruvian-led Union, while Santa Cruz wanted to gave more political power to Bolivia.
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