Founded as a countermeasure against the growing power of the military in Peru during the first half of the Republic, the party's sole purpose was to establish a civilian rule in the country.
The Civilista Party was first primarily composed of the newly rich merchants, planters, and businesspeople in Peru (especially those who benefited themselves with the Guano Boom exportations).
After the War of the Pacific and a successful revolution (that removed the military from power once again), the Party played a key role in the reconstruction of the country.
Elections, however, were restricted, subject to strict property and literacy qualifications, and more often than not manipulated by the incumbent Civilista regime.
The party, as a major political force, was disbanded during the so-called oncenio (11 years of power) of Augusto B. Leguía y Salcedo's second term.