Why did Peru’s early years after independence include political instability?

Following its independence, Peru experienced significant political instability due to several interconnected factors:

• Rise of Caudillos: Military leaders, known as caudillos, who gained prominence during the wars of independence, frequently seized power through force rather than democratic processes. Their rule was often based on personal charisma, control over armed followers, and strategic alliances with elite groups, making their authority volatile and prone to challenge by other military leaders.12
• Lack of Governance Tradition: The country lacked a established tradition of self-government, and there was a general reluctance among civilians to assume political responsibility.1
• Social Structure: The prevalence of a feudal society involving Creoles and Indigenous people created deep-seated divisions that hindered the development of stable political institutions.1
• Factional Rivalry: The emergence of ill-defined liberal and conservative factions led to intense rivalries. These groups often disregarded constitutional provisions, frequently using extralegal maneuvers to gain or maintain control.32
• Militarization: The long period of independence wars resulted in a militarized society where the regular, professional military exerted continued influence over the national government.2