Colored by the Past: Identity and the Armed Forces in Peru, from Colonial Militias to Armies of Independence

Abstract

One of the most enduring images in Latin American is that of the founders of the nations in their dashing military uniforms, with gold-tasseled epaulets, gold and brass buttons, assorted medals, ribbons and fancy decorations, worn over dark blue or bright red jackets, tight white jodhpurs and shiny black boots. These ‘padres de la patria’ or founding fathers emerged in the context of independence.