Miguel Iglesias Peruvian military and political figure Date of Birth: 11.06.1830 Country: Peru

1. Miguel Iglesias Pino de Pino
2. Early Life and Career
3. War of the Pacific
4. Presidency
5. Treaty of Ancón
6. Civil War and Exile

Miguel Iglesias Pino de Pino

Miguel Iglesias Pino de Pino (1822-1909) was a prominent Peruvian military and political figure who served as the President of Peru from 1883 to 1885.

Early Life and Career

Born in Cajamarca, Peru, Iglesias began his career in the city administration. In 1865, he was appointed Prefect of Cajamarca. During the conflict with Spain, Iglesias organized and led a battalion to defend Lima, earning the rank of Colonel. He returned as Prefect of Cajamarca in 1872.

War of the Pacific

At the outbreak of the War of the Pacific against Chile, Iglesias raised and commanded a battalion of 3,000 soldiers and marched to Lima's defense. On December 22, 1879, he joined forces with troops loyal to Nicolás de Piérola and overthrew Luis La Puerta in a coup, seizing the port of Callao. Iglesias was subsequently appointed Minister of War in Piérola's government.

Iglesias participated in the Battle of San Juan, defending the capital, but was defeated and taken prisoner. He was released and sent back to his estate in Cajamarca, where he promised to withdraw from politics. His son Alejandro was killed in this battle.

In February 1882, President Lizardo Montero appointed Iglesias as Commander-in-Chief of the northern forces. Iglesias fought against Chilean troops near his estate in the Battle of San Pablo.

Presidency

In 1882, Iglesias proclaimed himself President of Northern Peru, with a government in Trujillo. He initiated peace negotiations, willing to cede territory. He convened a Legislative Assembly that granted him full powers.

Treaty of Ancón

On February 9, 1883, Chilean General Patricio Lynch was instructed by the Chilean President to support Iglesias, who was willing to negotiate territorial concessions. The Treaty of Ancón was signed between Chile and Iglesias, angering many Peruvian politicians and military figures.

Civil War and Exile

A civil war erupted in Peru, with Andrés Avelino Cáceres as Iglesias' main opponent. Cáceres had the support of the Peruvian elite. After several defeats, Iglesias resigned on December 3, 1885, and Antonio Arenas became the President of Peru. Iglesias was forced to exile in Spain and returned only in 1909, where he was elected to parliament from his hometown of Cajamarca. However, he died before taking office.