Peru procured Huáscar for possible war with Spain during a period of renewed confrontation with the former colonial power. The voyage from Britain to Peru took a little over two months and included a collision with the Peruvian ironclad Independencia. Commissioned in 1866, Huáscar served Peru for thirteen years. Chile then kept the captured monitor in service from 1879 until 1897. The combined 31-year career explains why a capable ironclad remained valuable to South American states that needed long service from every major warship.
Chapter · 18:06-20:28
From anti-Spanish procurement to 31 years of service
Ordered as Peru prepared for conflict with Spain, Huáscar survived a difficult delivery voyage and remained useful to two navies for 31 years.