The Independence of Peru was proclaimed in Lima by José de San Martín on July 28, 1821. San Martín occupied the city a few days before after Royalist troops retreated towards the Andes. Despite this proclamation the Peruvian War of Independence lasted three more years as Patriot forces lacked the necessary strength to defeat Viceroy José de la Serna. Eventually San Martín left the country and was replaced by Simón Bolívar, under whose guidance the Royalist army was decisively defeated at the Battle of Ayacucho. (more...)