However, the government of Peru, under
Nicolás de Piérola, retreated into the interior
of the country.
Piérola wanted peace, but peace with honor. When the Chilean
government refused to consider the conditions of the Peruvian leader for a peace conference, a
group of influential citizens in Lima decided to form a provisional government in order to discuss
peace with the Chileans. Chile looked upon this as
a favorable step, and the provisional assembly was allowed to organize and meet. But the whole country did not recognize this government, and
Peru was thrown into political chaos, with many regional leaders and warlords.