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During the first years of the Latin American emancipation struggle, Peru was a conservative, royalist stronghold. However, when the movements leaded by liberators Jose de San Martin and Simon Bolivar converged in Peru during the latter phases of the revolt, specifically the 4,500-man expeditionary force led by General San Martin that landed at the bay of Paracas in September 1820, the Spanish control of Peru was seriously threatened. Many Peruvian officers who served before in the royalist army, soon joined General San Martin's forces, thus becoming the first officers of the new Republic. The modern Peruvian army was officially created by a decree issued by San Martin on August 18, 1821, only 20 days after the declaration of independence, under the name of "Peruvian Legion of The Guard". During the second phase of the liberation process, the Peruvians fought as an organized force under Simon Bolivar, as "Primer Regimiento del Peru", commanded by British General William Miller. At the battle of Junin, on August 6th, 1824, a Peruvian cavalry regiment, the Hussars of Peru, under Lieutenant Colonel Suarez, become a decisive factor in the victory against the Spaniards. Bolivar named the regiment "Hussars of Junin" in honor of its gallant action. Four months later, on December 9th, 1824, at the historic battle of Ayacucho, the Peruvian Division fought with great courage, contributing to the victory that sealed once and for all the emancipation of South America from Spain.
