Modern Peru is certainly a dichotomy. In remote regions the Incan language and customs (from music to religion) remain. In the city nonetheless , there are more developing techniques of life, much of which stems from the holiday maker trade. Visitors to Machu Picchu are one strong example that brings money to Peru's struggling economy. And even though folk are grateful for the work, they worry that much of their heritage may get lost in the shuffle.
Before agrarian reform in Peru the majority of folk lived in what could possibly be called a feudal environment. It was General Velasco-Alvarado who implemented the reforms, but they did not have the sweeping effect for which most people hoped. Nevertheless the beginning of modern Peru lies in these years (from 1969 - 1975).
In the 1980s a terrorist organization called the Shining Path emerged. Set up by Abimael Guzman, violent Maoist philosophy drove operations that sought a new order. They made the southern part of Peru their mainstay, even to having a powerful presence in Lima by 1990. The conflicts during these years ended in the deaths of some 70,000 people. Internally, the majority of Latin America was in collapse. Inflation exploded to over 1,000 % and Peru defaulted on its debt, a situation that wouldn't be determined till Alberto Fujimori's election. His adjustments helped adjust the economy so that inflation returned to single digits. He succeeded in capturing the leader of the Shining Path in 1992 although not without numerous human rights infringements. This situation would not be resolved till 2001 when democracy returned to Peru.
Fujimori stepped down under stress from the military and left the country never to return. Following his departure, recovery has been nice and steady with relatively low inflation. The only struggle remains the business interests in Peru frequently clash with the goals of the indigenous population wishing to protect their culture, in particular natural marvels and resources.
In 2011 Ollanta Humala became president in Peru. His goals were simple: spur commercial expansion while battling the frightful conditions of the poor across the country. As a consequence, Peru developed a sophisticated micro-finance industry alongside numerous fair trade rural initiatives that may, in turn, begin a grass roots transformation for Peru's needy communities, of which there are too many to be counted.
It will take time and strong effort to elevate Peru out of the darkness of poverty that continues to end in social disturbance and human rights issues. However, to have come so far in just 40 years is a powerful testament to the tradition of the Peruvian folk.
Before agrarian reform in Peru the majority of folk lived in what could possibly be called a feudal environment. It was General Velasco-Alvarado who implemented the reforms, but they did not have the sweeping effect for which most people hoped. Nevertheless the beginning of modern Peru lies in these years (from 1969 - 1975).
In the 1980s a terrorist organization called the Shining Path emerged. Set up by Abimael Guzman, violent Maoist philosophy drove operations that sought a new order. They made the southern part of Peru their mainstay, even to having a powerful presence in Lima by 1990. The conflicts during these years ended in the deaths of some 70,000 people. Internally, the majority of Latin America was in collapse. Inflation exploded to over 1,000 % and Peru defaulted on its debt, a situation that wouldn't be determined till Alberto Fujimori's election. His adjustments helped adjust the economy so that inflation returned to single digits. He succeeded in capturing the leader of the Shining Path in 1992 although not without numerous human rights infringements. This situation would not be resolved till 2001 when democracy returned to Peru.
Fujimori stepped down under stress from the military and left the country never to return. Following his departure, recovery has been nice and steady with relatively low inflation. The only struggle remains the business interests in Peru frequently clash with the goals of the indigenous population wishing to protect their culture, in particular natural marvels and resources.
In 2011 Ollanta Humala became president in Peru. His goals were simple: spur commercial expansion while battling the frightful conditions of the poor across the country. As a consequence, Peru developed a sophisticated micro-finance industry alongside numerous fair trade rural initiatives that may, in turn, begin a grass roots transformation for Peru's needy communities, of which there are too many to be counted.
It will take time and strong effort to elevate Peru out of the darkness of poverty that continues to end in social disturbance and human rights issues. However, to have come so far in just 40 years is a powerful testament to the tradition of the Peruvian folk.
About the Author:
CJ Cutrone is the owner of Word and Spirit Ministries, a charitable organization that offers marriage advice info, online sermons and a haven for Peru kids.
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