Óscar Raimundo Benavides Larrea was a central figure in Peruvian politics, serving as president of Peru twice, first from 1914 to 1915 and then from 1933 to 1939. Born on March 15, 1876, in Lima, Benavides was a career military officer who rose to power during critical moments in Peru’s history. He is best known for his ability to maintain order during periods of significant political and social instability.
Benavides began his military career in the Peruvian army and climbed the ranks to become a general. He first gained prominence in 1911 when he played a decisive role in the conflict with Ecuador, leading Peruvian troops to victory at the Battle of La Pedrera, which cemented his reputation as a capable military leader.
In 1914, following the downfall of President Guillermo Billinghurst, Benavides took power through a military coup. His first term as president was brief, from August 1914 to December 1915, but it was marked by efforts to stabilize a country divided by political strife. During this period, Benavides primarily sought to restore order and organize new elections. He peacefully transferred power to his elected successor, José Pardo y Barreda, at the end of his term.
Benavides continued his military career and served as Peru’s ambassador to Spain. He returned to the Peruvian political scene in 1933, when the country was in turmoil following the assassination of President Luis Miguel Sánchez Cerro. Benavides was called to the presidency once again to bring stability to a country shaken by internal conflicts, particularly the insurgency led by the American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA).
His second term, from 1933 to 1939, was marked by a policy of national reconciliation and moderate repression. Benavides worked to restore order by combining authoritarian measures with efforts to engage in political dialogue with rival factions. He notably ended the civil strife with APRA, although his government harshly repressed some of its leaders. His administration also focused on modernizing the economy and encouraging foreign investment while maintaining a conservative political approach.
During his second term, Peru experienced a period of relative economic prosperity, driven by rising exports of raw materials, primarily sugar and cotton. Benavides implemented policies aimed at modernizing the country’s infrastructure and strengthening the state while preserving social order.
At the end of his second term in 1939, Benavides honored his commitment not to seek re-election and organized free elections, which resulted in the victory of Manuel Prado Ugarteche. After leaving office, Benavides retired from active politics and lived out his remaining years in relative quiet until his death on July 2, 1945, in Lima.
Óscar Benavides is often regarded as a pragmatic and authoritarian leader who was able to maintain stability during turbulent times. His legacy is that of a statesman who managed crises effectively while implementing economic reforms that contributed to Peru’s modernization.