Kingdom of Peru
The Kingdom of Peru is a large nation in South America bordering the Empire of Brazil, the Kingdom of Argentina, the Republic of Gran Colombia, and the Republic of Chile.
History
The Kingdom of Peru was founded following the series of revolts in former colonies of Spain in the New World following the overthrow of the Spanish monarchy by Napoleon. Initially, Ferdinand VII of Spain only authorized the placing of a monarch of Peru in the belief that it would bring Peru closer into the fold of Spanish interests. However, Archduke John of Austria, the elected King Of Peru, proved to be an effective leader who began to bring stability to Peru.
John first arrived in Peru in 1826 following the invitations of Jose de San Martin following the latter's failed negotiations with Simon Bolivar to make Peru a republic under Colombian control. John was dismayed in the state that Peru was in, as many Spanish royalists were held up in the mountains staging revolts against the independent government. These revolts eventually ended in 1828 with the Siege of Ayacucho. John then worked diligently to bring stability to the region, often using his own finances in place of the national treasury.
In 1828, Peru failed to come to a peaceful agreement over their border disputes in Quito. During the ensuing war, Peru occupied the western half of the territory, in which they managed to secure in the peace negotiations. However, the Peruvian government did not relinquish claims over the rest of the territory.
In 1829, a failed republican coups attempted to overthrow the monarchy in its infancy occurred. The coups, led by General Augustin Gamarra, was initially attributed to Gran Colombia. This was due to Gamarra's hope of uniting Peru with Colombia. Gamarra was executed, but John granted amnesty to the soldiers while merely imprisoning the officers involved.
Beginning in 1830, a constitutional crisis began to emerge over the issue of slavery. Though John did not have the power to end it himself, he pressured the Peruvian Congress and the Prime Minister to enact legislation. The slave trade was officially ended in Peru in 1832. However, ministers such as Felipe Santiago Salaverry re-legalized the importation of slaves into Peru beginning in 1835. John refused to sign the act into law, forcing Salaverry to attempt a constitutional amendment.
Peru began to emerge as a growing power in the new world in 1846 by participating in the Partition of Charcas. The Charcas region, also known as Upper Peru, was partitioned between Peru, Argentina, and Brazil. Though many conservatives criticized John for not securing more of the region, the Peruvian Congress eventually approved the treaty in 1847.
In 1848, the Peruvian government began to open guano mines in the Pacific Islands. This was supported by the monarchy, and greatly boosted the Peruvian economy.
In 1860, King Francisco I signed the Continental Ordinance, agreeing to separate interests of Europe and the New World.
Peru declared neutrality in the Paraguayan War between Argentina and Brazil against Paraguay. This stifled relations with Brazil and Argentina. While Francisco offered to mediate peace talks in 1869, Brazil and Argentina instead took the offer of America.
In 1865, Peru declared war on Spain in the Chinca Islands War in support of Chile. The coalition was joined by Gran Colombia. The New World coalition was victorious, and Francisco was seen as a protector of Peruvian independence. However, it was from this conflict that Peru declared neutrality in the War of the Pacific.
With the overthrow of Emperor Pedro II of Brazil in 1878, Peru aligned with the Imperial Family of Brazil and offered them assylum. However, Pedro elected to take refuge in Argentina as it was closer. Peru never recognized the legitimacy of the Brazilian republic, and called for the investigation into Gran Colombia's involvement in the coups.
With the ascension of John II as king, Peru began to openly call for military intervention over their claims of Quito from Gran Colombia, greatly straining the already fractious relations.
In 1905, Peru saw the birth of Princess Gabriela, the first heir presumptive. Though the Constitution of Peru did not allow for women to take the throne, John II worked to amend that ruling. However, this was done out of a desire to not see the monarchy survive than any trust in Gabriela's abilities. Instead, John II remained a distant father.
In 1920, with the out break of the Great War, Gabriela, now queen, worked to keep her people out of the conflict during the Congress of Columbia.
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