The Peruvian Army
Due to its strategic position in South America and to its inherited problems with the native Indians, Peru faced many threats during the XIX century. In fact, the country was either at constant internal  disturbances or at contention with the surrounding neighbors countries.
In such circumstances the survival of the new-born country was put into the hands of the army, reputed as the only organized institution of the republic. Soon after independence (achieved in 1821) the army started to play a important role in politics.
The attempts to built a professional force (a military academy was created in 1830) in order to give protection to the Peruvian borders failed at most thanks to the involvement of officers in internal disputes for power. Thus, despite courage, when the War of Pacif (1879-1884) broke out, the common soldier went to battle with modicum training and had to rely on poor leadership on the battlefield. Nevertheless, the Peruvian Army opposed strong resistance to the Chilean Forces, gaining a important set at Tarapaca and making a stubborn defense around Lima.
Peruvian Legion - Officer in Full Dress, 1821
Grenadier - Campaign Against Spain, 1824
Private in Field Dress - Battle of Ayacucho, 1824