Peruvians on the French Battlefields (1914–1918)

Abstract

Although Peru was not a direct actor in World War I, the foreign community residing in the country mobilized in support of their respective nations, and there were not a few who moved to Europe to join the fight. Among them were some Peruvians, mostly of European descent; but there were also some who did it without having that kind of link. This paper explores the particular case of 51 Peruvians who fought for France, finding in them very varied motivations, ranging from the defense of their parents’ homeland to more emotional considerations, linked to sympathy with the French cause. This sheds some light on the reasons why human beings are willing to take part in a war.