Ramón Castilla

Ramón Castilla y Marquesado was a Peruvian caudillo who served twice as President of Peru, first in 1845-1851, and then in 1855-1862. He also led a Military junta in 1844, and was interim president for a couple of days in April 1863. His earliest prominent appearance in Peruvian history began with his participation in a commanding role of the army of the Libertadores that helped Peru become an independent nation. Later, he led the country when the economy boomed due to the exploitation of guano deposits. Castilla's governments are remembered for having abolished slavery and modernized the state.