Epidemics and the modernization of the city of Ayacucho, 1900 – 1920

Rojas Porras N.; Maldonado Valenzuela M.; Taipe Campos N. · Historia Regional (2025)

Resumen

This article examines the demographic and urban effect of the smallpox, measles and typhus epidemics that affected the population of the city of Ayacucho-Peru, between 1900 and 1920, considering the conceptions about the disease, the living conditions of the population and the measures taken by the authorities to mitigate its effects. The theoretical framework is based on notions of modernization, adopting a sociocultural perspective of illness that links it to the material and social life of individuals and to the existing healthcare systems. Methodologically, the study is based on documentary sources, local press publications and related studies. It is concluded that the epidemics were a factor of change, not only because of the high number of victims among indigenous children, but also because they promoted the modernization of the city with infrastructure works aimed at improving hygienic conditions, which territorialized the representation of civilization and decency in the urban center.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga