Explore the history of Peru. (Skills Master 1).

Peru is the third largest country in area in South America. More than 27 million people live in Peru, and the nation is home to more Indians than any other country on the continent.

Study the time line of Peru's history (below). Use with information to answer the questions.

TIME LINE

800-400 B.C.

The Chavin Indians develop the first-known civilization in Peru. The Chavin live in complex societies in mountain areas as high as 10,000 feet above sea level. They also produce high-quality pottery, textiles, jewelry, and sculpture.

1200 A.D.

An Indian tribe known as the Inca begins to conquer Peru's other Indian groups. The Inca are fierce warriors and master builders of roads and temples. By 1438, at the height of their power, the Inca establish one of the largest empires in the world.

1532

Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro and about 180 Spanish soldiers arrive in Peru. Impressed by the Inca wealth of gold and silver, Pizarro conquers Cuzco, the Inca capital, in 1533. Spain rules Peru as a colony for nearly 300 years.

1821

Armies from other South American countries invade Peru to liberate it from the Spanish. In 1824, forces led by Simon Bolivar of Venezuela defeat the Spanish at the Battle of Ayacucho, securing Peru's independence. In 1827, Jose de la Mar is elected as the first President of Peru.

1881

Peru becomes involved in the War of the Pacific, a dispute between Bolivia and Chile. For two years, Peru fights in support of Bolivia but eventually loses the war. Chile controls an area of captured Peruvian territory until 1929.

1968

A junta, or group of military commanders, overthrows Peru's democratic government. Military leaders establish a new government and carry out important social and economic reforms.

1980

Peru elects a civilian government to replace the ruling military junta. Fernando Balaunde Terry is elected President. Two leftist groups called the Shining Path and the Tupac Amaru begin a guerrilla war against the government.

1992

In an effort to end the country's guerrilla war, President Alberto Fujimori suspends Peru's Constitution. For the next five years, Peruvian civil liberties are severely limited. But by 1997, the Shining Path and Tupac Amaru movements are defeated.

2001

Alejandro Toledo is elected President of Peru. He is the first cholo, or native Peruvian, to hold office in 500 years. Toledo is nicknamed "Pachacutec" after an ancient Inca ruler.

QUESTIONS

1. Which Indian group is credited with founding the first civilization in Peru?

2. When did the Inca Empire reach the height of its power?

3. Which Spanish explorer conquered Cuzco in 1533?

4. How long did Spain rule Peru as a colony?

5. The Spanish defeat at which battle. secured independence for Peru?

6. Who was the first President of Peru?

7. Which country did Peru support during the War of the Pacific?

8. Which two leftist groups began a guerrilla war against Peru's government in 1980?

9. Why did President Alberto Fujimori suspend Peru's national constitution in 1992?

10. President Alejandro Toledo's nickname honors which ancient Inca ruler?

Skills Master 1: Peru Time Line

1. The Chavin Indians

2. 1438

3. Francisco Pizarro

4. Almost 300 years

5. The Battle of Ayacucho

6. Jose de la Mar

7. Bolivia

8. The Shining Path and the Tupac Amaru

9. To combat the guerrilla war.

10. Pachacutec