Luis José de Orbegoso in the context of Republic of North Peru

Ramón Castilla y Marquesado (Spanish pronunciation: [raˈmoŋ kasˈtiʝa] ; 31 August 1797 – 30 May 1867) was a Peruvian caudillo who served as President of Peru three times as well as the Interim President of Peru (Revolution Self-proclaimed President) in 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.

He began his military career in the royalist army, participating in the Battle of Chacabuco. Taken prisoner after the battle, he was taken to Buenos Aires where he obtained permission to leave the country and returned to Peru. Reinstated in the Royal Army of Peru, he joined the independence cause in early 1822. He organized and served in the cavalry of the Peruvian Legion distinguishing himself at the Battle of Ayacucho. He continued his military and political career, holding high public offices such as sub-prefect of his native Tarapacá and prefect of Puno during the administrations of Agustín Gamarra and Luis José de Orbegoso.

The Peruvian Civil War of 1834 was a revolt by supporters of former president Agustín Gamarra against the government. Gamarra had wanted Pedro Pablo Bermúdez as his successor to the presidency instead of Luis José de Orbegoso. On April 17, 1834, the two sides clashed in the Battle of Huaylacucho, in Huancavelica resulting in a victory for the revolutionaries. On April 24, 1834, there was another clash near Jauja. Although the revolutionaries surrendered, Orbegoso was overthrown the next year by his subordinate Felipe Santiago Salaverry, sparking the Salaverry-Santa Cruz War.

The Peruvian Civil War of 1834, also known as the Bermúdez Revolution, was a conflict that began in Peru after the election of General Luis José de Orbegoso as the country’s provisional president. Former president and General Agustín Gamarra, unhappy with election results, incited General Pedro Bermúdez to stir up a rebellion against the new government. The rebellion began in January 1834. The people divided themselves into two factions: the Bermudistas and the Orbegosistas. After several months of fighting on different fronts, the factions peacefully reconciled in what is called the Embrace of Maquinhuayo. This was the first civil war in the history of Peru as a republic.