A very important event in Peru's history is how Peru gained independence from Spain. It all started with a revolt by Spanish-American landowners and their forces were led by Jose de San Martin of Argentina and Simon Bolivar of Venezuela. Since Peru was the stronghold of the Spanish government in South America, Argentine patriot, General San Martin's strategy to liberate Peru involved the use of diplomacy. He sent representatives to Lima urging Viceroy Pazuela to grant Peru independence, but all negotiations proved fruitless. They then launched Peru's movement towards independence. San Martin led the military campaign of 4,200 soldiers. On July 28, 1821, he proclaimed the independence of Peru in Lima and said: “From this moment on, Peru is free and independent; by the general will of the people and by the justice of their cause which God defends. Long live the homeland! Long live freedom! Long live our independence!” However, Spain did not recognize Peru's independence and the conflict continued. In 1824, Simon Bolivar and his assistants assembled the army at Lake Junín...