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Mariano Ignacio Prado Ochoa, born on December 18, 1826, in Huánuco, was a Peruvian military and political figure who served as president of Peru twice, from 1865 to 1868 and again from 1876 to 1879. His name is often associated with the war against Spain and, later, the War of the Pacific, a conflict that had devastating consequences for Peru.
Prado began his career as a military officer, participating in various internal conflicts in Peru during the 1840s and 1850s. In 1865, he led a revolt against President Juan Antonio Pezet over a treaty signed with Spain after the Chincha Islands incident, which was seen as humiliating for Peru. Prado overthrew Pezet and became provisional president, leading the country into a victorious war against Spain in 1866, highlighted by the Battle of Abtao and the bombing of Callao. After this military success, he was officially elected president in 1867, but his term was cut short by political pressures and internal revolts, forcing him to resign in 1868.
Prado returned to the political scene in 1876 when he was elected president for a second term. However, his second presidency was marked by the outbreak of the War of the Pacific in 1879, a conflict between Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. Facing military and financial difficulties, Prado made the controversial decision to leave Peru and travel to Europe in 1879, officially to purchase weapons and strengthen the Peruvian army. In his absence, the situation in Peru rapidly deteriorated, with military defeats at the hands of Chilean forces. His departure was viewed by many as abandoning the country during its greatest crisis, and he was replaced by Nicolás de Piérola, who took control of the Peruvian government during Prado's absence.
Prado’s departure left a lasting mark on his political legacy. He is often criticized for leaving the country leaderless at such a critical time. After the War of the Pacific ended, Prado returned to Peru but never regained significant political influence. He died in Paris, France, on May 5, 1901.
Despite his controversial role during the War of the Pacific, Mariano Ignacio Prado remains a complex figure in Peruvian history. He played a key role in defending Peru against Spain and managing the country’s internal crises, but his decision to leave during the War of the Pacific tarnished his image for future generations.