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Luis José de Orbegoso y Moncada, born on August 25, 1795, in Huamachuco, was a significant political figure in Peruvian history, serving as the country's president from 1833 to 1835. His presidency took place during a tumultuous period in Peru, marked by internal conflicts and power struggles between various political factions. Orbegoso is often seen as a moderate leader who sought to maintain stability during a time of great unrest, though his authority was constantly challenged throughout his term.
Coming from an aristocratic family, Orbegoso pursued a military career, rising through the ranks of the Peruvian army during the wars of independence. After Peru gained its independence, he became a prominent political figure. In 1833, he was elected president by Congress to succeed Agustín Gamarra, a decision reflecting the desire for a moderate leader to ease tensions between rival factions.
Orbegoso faced significant challenges from the start of his presidency. The country was divided between liberals, who sought to strengthen democratic reforms, and conservatives, who supported a strong executive branch. Although Orbegoso attempted to strike a balance between these two camps, he soon faced internal revolts led by supporters of Gamarra and other military factions.
In 1834, Orbegoso successfully defeated an uprising led by Pedro Pablo Bermúdez, who sought to overthrow his government. However, this victory did not end the political turmoil. In 1835, Orbegoso allied himself with Bolivian General Andrés de Santa Cruz, who intervened in Peruvian affairs and helped suppress uprisings against Orbegoso. In exchange, Santa Cruz solidified his influence in Peru and formed the Peru-Bolivian Confederation in 1836, a project that sought to unite Peru and Bolivia under his authority.
Orbegoso supported the Confederation, but this decision was highly controversial in Peru. The Confederation provoked a war with Chile and Peruvian forces loyal to Gamarra, ultimately leading to the dissolution of the Confederation after Santa Cruz’s defeat at the Battle of Yungay in 1839.
After the dissolution of the Confederation, Orbegoso retired from active political life. He spent his remaining years in relative obscurity and passed away in Trujillo on February 5, 1847. Although his presidency was marked by conflict and ongoing instability, Orbegoso is often regarded as a leader who tried to maintain peace and avoid a military dictatorship despite the pressures and challenges he faced.