Using the contributions of Steve Stern, Florencia Mallon and other authors, on adaptation, resistance and adaptation in resistance of the peasants to oppression, this article examines -with information from archives- three different cases of social processes in the colonial province of Huambos (Cajamarca), from the awarding of land to original settlers by the Visitor Francisco de Huerta Gutierres (1657) until the end of the 18th century or the beginning of the 19th century. The first case shows an adaptation process; the second reveals a long and successful adaptation in resistance; and the third seems to be a passive adaptation, in which the native peasant who receives land is quickly left aside by settlers and miners.

We combine the study of published sources with archival manuscripts in order to analyze some contradictions between the landowner class, the peasants called «indians» and the plebs in the Independence movement of the Lambayeque region of Peru, from its antecedents until the years 1820 to 1823. The contradiction between the workers and the elite momentarily and partially struck the landed power, opening a fissure in the system of social oppression. But this could not be taken advantage of by the popular classes since they had neither a program, an organization, nor experienced leaders. Soon after that, the landowners regained the full power of their power. Some workers came to call the new rulers of Independence: «godasos (spaniards) with a reputation as patriots».