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Lizardo Montero Flores, born on May 27, 1832, in Piura, was a Peruvian military and political figure who briefly served as interim president of Peru from 1881 to 1883, during the tumultuous period of the War of the Pacific (1879–1884) against Chile. Although his presidency was short-lived, Montero remains an important figure in Peru’s resistance against the Chilean occupation.
Montero began his career as an officer in the Peruvian Navy, participating in various naval campaigns and developing a reputation as a competent military leader. When the War of the Pacific broke out, he distinguished himself in naval battles, although the Peruvian fleet was largely outmatched by Chile’s superior naval forces.
After the capture and death of Admiral Miguel Grau in 1879, Montero became one of Peru’s leading military commanders. He was appointed head of the resistance in southern Peru after Chilean forces occupied Lima in 1881. Under these difficult circumstances, Montero assumed the position of interim president, replacing Francisco García Calderón, who had been captured and exiled by Chilean forces.
Montero’s presidency was marked by extreme difficulty, as much of the country was under Chilean occupation. He established his government in Arequipa, where he attempted to continue resisting the occupation, though resources and military support were limited. He also tried to negotiate peace, but the terms imposed by Chile, including the cession of Peruvian territory, were unacceptable to Montero and other Peruvian leaders.
In 1883, with the collapse of the Peruvian military resistance and the signing of the Treaty of Ancón by Miguel Iglesias, Montero was forced to step down. He went into exile in Bolivia and later Argentina, where he lived for several years before returning to Peru.
Lizardo Montero passed away on February 5, 1905, in Lima. Although his presidency was brief and marked by hardship, he is remembered for his role in defending Peru during the War of the Pacific and his efforts to maintain resistance against the Chilean occupation.