# Fascism in Peru

Fascism as a political philosophy in Peru held great influence among different sectors of society during the early to mid-20th century. The movement was particularly strong following the Arequipa revolution of 1930 and the end of the Leguía’s regime, although its popularity declined following the end of World War II, after the defeat and discredit of fascism worldwide. Peruvian fascism was mainly influenced by Italian fascism and, in a lesser way, Spanish falangism, while also drawing significant inspiration from Catholic tradition and the concept of Mestizaje, emphasizing the unity of the Peruvian people.

## Overview

According to historian José Ignacio López Soria, the fascist movement in Peru could be divided into three currents:
* Aristocratic fascism (Spanish: fascismo aristocrático), which would be driven by a militant ultramontane Catholicism that fiercely opposed Marxist atheism and Protestant liberalism.
* Mesocratic fascism (Spanish: fascismo mesocrático), popular among the middle classes, opposed the historic ruling class and sought to promote the needs of mestizos to build support among the diverse groups in Peru.
* Popular fascism (Spanish: fascismo popular), incarnated in the Unión Revolucionaria (Revolutionary Union) and with a close relation towards the masses, seeking to support the notion of class collaboration.
According to historian Eduardo González Calleja, popular fascism would lack a Catholic background, being instead motivated by a strong opposition towards capitalism and the support of a corporate state that would control the capital, manage the economy and guarantee social discipline.

## History
### Early foundations
#### Origins

The Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Catholic Action and other Catholic groups supported Ferrero Rebagliati's concept of mesocratic fascism. The movement was inspired by Italian fascism and Spanish falangism.
Another main outlet for fascism became the Peruvian Fascist Brotherhood, formed by ex-Prime Minister José de la Riva-Agüero y Osma. Riva-Agüero became more supportive of fascism after he returned to Catholicism in 1932, believing, according to López Soria, that Peru should "return to the medieval, Catholic, Hispanic tradition as embodied now by fascism" and he used the teachings of Bartolomé Herrera and Alejandro Deustua to support his ideology. The Fascist Brotherhood initially enjoyed some prestige but it receded into the background after Peru entered the Second World War on the side of the Allies. Moreover, the group's credibility was damaged by its leader becoming increasingly eccentric in his personal behaviour.

#### Fascist-inspired governments

The most popular fascist faction in Peru was Revolutionary Union (UR), which was initially founded by President Luis Miguel Sánchez Cerro in 1931 as the state party of his dictatorship. President Sánchez Cerro, who had humble origins, was highly charismatic, familiar with the populace's customs and was recognized as courageous after overthrowing President Augusto B. Leguía. UR quickly found support from former Civilista Party members and the traditional oligarchy families who wanted to protect themselves from other populist movements. After President Sánchez Cerro's assassination in 1933, the group came under the leadership of Luis A. Flores, who sought to mobilise mass support and even set up a Blackshirt movement in imitation of the Italian model. Óscar R. Benavides, who took office after the assassination, also led an authoritarian conservative regime from 1933 to 1939. During his government, Benavides built a strong relationship with Peru's business leaders.
The Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana (APRA) was inspired by Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre's observations of fascist and communist parties during his time in Europe. During the 1930s APRA developed certain similarities with fascism, such as calling for a new national community and founding a small paramilitary wing, but then it very quickly changed course and emerged as a mainstream social democratic party.
In 1944, APRA formed the National Democratic Front political coalition beside the far-right Reformist Democratic Party and the fascist Revolutionary Union party, excluding the Peruvian Communist Party. The alliance led to the triumph of ultraconservative José Luis Bustamante y Rivero becoming president the same year. The overall defeat of Revolutionary Union in the 1944 elections shook confidence in the movement and it faded.

### Post-WWII era

In 2013, the short-lived Legionary Action (Spanish: Acción Legionaria) was established in Lima, marking the emergence of the first contemporary fascist organization in years. The group upheld the legacy of Sánchez Cerro and considered itself as the heirs of the former Revolutionary Union, proclaiming a Third Positionist ideology radically opposed towards both liberalism and communism. Such as its claimed predecessor, Acción Legionaria also adopted the classical blackshirt attire and the usage of fascist symbology. It also had close ties with the Brazilian neo-fascist organization Frente Nacionalista (National Front). During its period of activities, Legionary Action attempted to become a fascist political party, but would be eventually dissolved in 2016.

### 21st century

Ultraconservative groups began to emerge in Peru around 2017 when proposals to introduce gender studies to education curricula occurred. La Resistencia Dios, Patria y Familia, a self-described Fujimorist and far-right organization, has been independently described as neofascist. Members have been seen using fascist symbolism, wearing black uniforms, using the swastika, waving the Cross of Burgundy and gesturing the fascist salute at events, which was described as being similar to the Nazi salute. La Resistencia has denied its support of fascism.