Peru was originally home to the Inca Empire, which expanded across much of western South America. After the Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the region became the center of the Viceroyalty of Peru, which once governed most of Spain's South American possessions. During the 18th century, Spain created the Viceroyalties of New Granada and Río de la Plata, reducing the territory administered from Peru.
Peru gained independence in 1821 and later formed the Peru-Bolivian Confederation with Bolivia, which collapsed after opposition from Chile and Argentina. During the War of the Pacific, Peru fought alongside Bolivia against Chile and lost territory after Chile's victory. Peru also ceded parts of the Amazon region to Brazil through later border agreements. In 1941, Peru and Ecuador fought a war that contributed to the eventual establishment of Peru's modern borders.
