The original ideology and beliefs advocated by Sendero Luminoso in Peru are strongly rooted in Marxist ideas, as taken by the founder of the armed group, Abimael Guzman Reynoso.  Guzman was a young professor of philosophy in the 1960s who felt an armed resistance must form and break off from the left in Peru.  The idea of a class struggle among the poor and the “bourgeoisie” was central among Marxist beliefs and incorporated into Sendero’s Luminoso’s ideology.  Guzman adapted these Marxist teachings to the Peruvian setting: there must be a complete “unmasking” of tyranny, not just a defensive fight against the wealthy.  The ideology pushed for the complete destruction of Peru’s social, economic, and political structures.[1] After military rule ended in 1980 and democratic elections were held, the beliefs of those who felt strongest about Sendero Luminoso’s ideology were clear; there could be no compromise.  Many members who were elected were seen to have lost their ideology, realizing they too could have share of capitalism.  The ideology of the group was ultra-orthodox Marxism, with Guzman urging unyielding rebellion.[2]  This ultra-orthodox ideology helped to bring the splintering of Sendero Luminoso because peasants sought at times to better their lives, which was met with violence and killings from Sendero Luminoso.[3]