Rebellions in 18th Century Peru: Atahualpa and Tupac Amaru II

Welcome to the history, geography, and economics course for 3rd grade students. The course is conducted by QS MP TV. Previous discussions covered colonization. Today's topic involves a scenario where the entire class loses recess due to the actions of a few students.

In the 18th century, indigenous people in Peru rebelled against the colonial authorities. The uprisings were led by indigenous, mestizos, criollos, and blacks. The main reasons for the rebellions were the abuses by Spanish officials and the Bourbon reforms. Notable leaders included Juan Santos Atahualpa and José Gabriel Condorcanqui.

Juan Santos Atahualpa, a descendant of the last Inca Atahualpa, led a significant indigenous rebellion. He opposed the labor system imposed by the colonial authorities and recruited supporters from various ethnic groups. His rebellion aimed to restore the Inca empire and expel Spanish and African populations from the region.

Santos Atahualpa managed to control the Central Selva region, encouraging indigenous people to rebel against the missionaries and colonists. This area, known for its lush vegetation, beautiful waterfalls like Pelo de la Novia, hanging bridges like Keymare, and stunning locations like Oxapampa and Satipo, also produces the best coffee in Peru.

Missionaries, individuals from the church who came from Europe to evangelize natives and serve Europeans, faced resistance from Santos Atahualpa's troops for ten years. These troops not only resisted the colonial forces but also expelled all settlers and missionaries who sought refuge in the Central Selva.

Atahualpa mysteriously disappeared in 1756, eluding capture even by the Spanish. His fate remains unknown, adding to the enigma surrounding his legacy.

José Gabriel Condorcanqui, also known as Tupac Amaru II, led a significant rebellion between 1780-1782 in the Cusco region. Unlike Atahualpa, Tupac Amaru II's rebellion involved a diverse coalition of indigenous, mestizo, criollo, and African supporters, making it one of the largest and most impactful uprisings in Peru and South America.

Tupac Amaru II, an esteemed ethnic authority, led the rebellion to secure freedom for all of America. He garnered support from various ethnic groups, including indigenous leaders (curacas), and orchestrated a rebellion that shook the foundations of colonial rule in the region.

Túpac Amaru II initiated actions in favor of the oppressed indigenous people after witnessing their terrible living conditions in Potosí. The indigenous population faced mandatory distribution of goods by the corregidores, heavy tribute burdens, and forced labor in the mines. Túpac Amaru II intensified his plans to overthrow the oppressive regime, leading to the ambush and capture of Corregidor Arriaga.

On November 16, 1780, Túpac Amaru II proclaimed the liberation of slaves, causing great joy among the indigenous population but instigating fear among the authorities. In response, a 2,000-men army was sent, but Túpac Amaru II's forces, numbering six thousand, easily won their first battle at Tinta.

The visitador A. Lecce organized a formidable force of 17,000 men led by Marshal José del Valle to confront Túpac Amaru II at the Battle of Tinta. Despite Túpac Amaru II's escape to Lang, he was eventually captured and handed over to the Spanish authorities, leading to his brutal execution by dismemberment in 1781.

Túpac Amaru II's rebellion was the most influential during the colonial era, as it effectively ended the excesses and abuses committed by the Spanish conquistadors. His actions sparked a series of rebellions and uprisings against Spanish colonial rule in Peru.

The 18th century was marked by numerous indigenous uprisings against Spanish dominance, with notable events including the persecution of Corregidor Arriaga, the conflicts of Juan Santos Atahualpa, and the impactful rebellions led by Túpac Amaru II. These rebellions reflected the widespread discontent of indigenous populations towards Spanish colonial authority.

Approximately 520 uprisings occurred against the colonial regime, with only two, the rebellion of Juan Santos Atahualpa and that of Túpac Amaru II, having significant impact in challenging Spanish colonial authority.

Rebellions in Peru were led by Juan Santos Atahualpa and José Gabriel Condorcanqui. The main reasons for the uprisings were the abuses committed by colonial authorities against indigenous people and the Bourbon reforms. Atahualpa expelled Franciscan missions and Spanish military from the central jungle. The most significant rebellion was led by Tupac Amaru II in 1780, resulting in the liberation of slaves and a victory at the Battle of Sangarará. However, he was defeated and executed in the Battle of Tinta on April 16, 1781.

In a world with injustices, individuals can promote values like justice and equality in their daily lives. For example, speaking the truth when someone is wrongly accused can instill these values from a young age. Historical conflicts have arisen due to the pursuit of justice and equality.

Spanish authorities prohibited indigenous people from engaging in artistic and literary expressions. After the rebellions, speaking Quechua was banned, and references to Inca heritage were removed from clothing. The suppression extended to literature, including the exclusion of Garcilaso de la Vega's works. This cultural suppression aimed to erase indigenous identity and history.

The two major indigenous rebellions in Peru occurred in the 18th century led by Atahualpa and Tupac Amaru II. These uprisings were pivotal in challenging colonial oppression and asserting indigenous rights. To delve deeper into this history, a recommended book is 'La Rebelión de Túpac Amaru,' providing insights into the revolution led by José Gabriel Condorcanqui.

In the next program, the focus will be on the Spanish crisis and its influence on America. This discussion will shed light on the historical context and repercussions of the Spanish crisis on the American continent.