Historic 1914 Image of Perus President Leguía

On February 26, 1914, a photograph captured a significant moment in Peruvian politics featuring Augusto Leguía, who served as the President of Peru during two non-consecutive terms. His first term ran from 1908 to 1912, and he returned to power in 1919, leading until 1930. Leguía is known for his efforts to modernize the country, including infrastructure development and economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment.

During this period, Peru was experiencing a mix of social and economic changes. Following the significant discovery of guano in the 19th century, the economy transformed, and there were rising tensions regarding land distribution and labor rights. Leguía’s government established various policies that attempted to stabilize the country amid these shifts. This photograph not only serves as a visual record of Leguía’s leadership but also reflects the broader historical context of early 20th-century Peru, highlighting the dynamic political landscape of the time.

Taken by a Bain News Service photographer, this image exemplifies early 20th-century documentation methods, preserving a moment that informs our understanding of political history in Latin America. The photograph is a snapshot of a leader and a moment in time that shaped Peru’s trajectory in the decades to follow.