LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 190th Anniversary of the Inde-
pendence of Peru on July 28, 2011

WHEREAS, The history of the Peruvian people dates back to as early as
10,000 BC and the oldest complex civilization, Norte Chico, flourished
along the coast of the Pacific between 3000 and 1800 BC; and
WHEREAS, Later cultures emerged including the Cipisnique, Chimu, Wari,
Chavin, Paracas, Mochica, Nazca as well as the Incas who in the 15th
Century formed the most powerful empire in Pre-Columbian America; and
WHEREAS, Peru, a Spanish Viceroyalty since 1535, was notably exploited
for its rich mineral deposits and guano used for fertilizers; and
WHEREAS, By the early 19th Century, most South American territories
were swept by wars of independence, while the powerful colonial govern-
ment of the Viceroyalty of Peru remained loyal to Spain, only to be
challenged by the military campaigns for independence led by Jose de San
Martin and later, Simon Bolivar; and
WHEREAS, The revolutionary army led by San Martin was much smaller
than that of royalist forces, so a direct attack on the Spanish was not
a prudent move; and
WHEREAS, The revolution strategy consisted of the Peruvian people
conducting the uprisings themselves while the revolutionary forces began
to organize a new Peruvian government; and
WHEREAS, On February 21, 1821, Jose de San Martin promulgated the
Provisional Rules, a set of legal guarantees for Peruvian citizens; and
WHEREAS, On July 28, 1821, the army led by San Martin took over Lima
and independence from Spain was finally proclaimed; the new Peru named
San Martin their "Protector" and their ruler; and
WHEREAS, On July 26, 1822, San Martin met with Simon Bolivar at Guaya-
quil to plan the future of Latin America; and
WHEREAS, The separation from Spain culminated in 1824 resulting from
the Battles on Junin and Ayachcho; and
WHEREAS, Many Peruvians have made New York their home, and this Legis-
lative Body is justly proud to thank the Peruvian people for their
contributions to this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 190th Anniversary of the Independence of Peru on July
28, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ambassador Jose Augusto Tenorio Benavides, Consul General of
Peru in New York, and the various Peruvian organizations in the State of
New York.