Luis La Puerta de Mendoza, born on August 25, 1811, in Lima, was a Peruvian military officer and politician who played a transitional role in the country’s political history, serving twice as provisional president. He held the presidency during key moments of political crisis in the 19th century, briefly serving in 1868 and again in 1879.
La Puerta began his career in the Peruvian army, where he distinguished himself in various internal conflicts. Over the course of his military career, he gained influence in the country’s political circles and often played a mediating role in resolving the frequent political turmoil of 19th-century Peru.
His first term as the head of the country came in 1868, when he assumed the provisional presidency after the resignation of Mariano Ignacio Prado, who had left office to continue his military campaign against Spain. This term was short, and La Puerta focused on stabilizing the political situation and preparing for elections to elect a permanent successor.
In 1879, Luis La Puerta was once again called upon to serve as provisional president under even more complex circumstances. This time, it was during the War of the Pacific, as Peru faced the invasion of Chile. Again, his term was brief, but he played an important role in managing the day-to-day affairs of the government while attempting to organize a stable transition. Shortly after, Nicolás de Piérola took power and led the country through this difficult wartime period.
After his second presidency, Luis La Puerta retired from active political life and focused on private affairs. While he did not leave a lasting mark as president, he is often remembered as an important transitional leader who brought some stability during critical moments in Peru’s history. He passed away in Lima on November 4, 1896.