The War of the Pacific (1879 – 1884) – The Epic War between Chile and Peru (and Bolivia)

The War of the Pacific, fought from 1879 to 1884, was a conflict that reshaped the political landscape of South America, involving Peru, Chile, and Bolivia. The conflict is also known as the Nitrate War, Guerra del salitre, Saltpeter War or Ten Cents War. The roots of the war can be traced to long-standing border disputes and economic tensions over resource-rich territories, particularly the nitrate-rich regions in the Atacama Desert. The conflict began in 1879 when Chilean forces, led by President Hilario Lagos, initiated hostilities by seizing the port city of Antofagasta, a region contested by Bolivia and Chile. Bolivia, already economically weakened, faced further setbacks as its access to the Pacific was cut off. Shortly after, Chile declared war on Peru, escalating the conflict. The war saw significant naval engagements, such as the Battle of Angamos in 1879, where the Chilean navy secured control over the sea, limiting Peru's ability to support its army. Land battles ensued, marked by notable clashes like the Battle of Tacna and the Battle of Arica. Bolivia, unable to regain its coastal territory, suffered a crippling blow with the loss of the Atacama Desert. Meanwhile, Peru faced defeats on multiple fronts, leading to the occupation of its capital, Lima, by Chilean forces in 1881. The conflict finally came to an end in 1884 with the signing of the Treaty of Ancón. The terms of the treaty favored Chile, as it acquired substantial territories from both Peru and Bolivia. Bolivia lost its access to the Pacific, becoming a landlocked nation, while Peru ceded the provinces of Tacna and Arica.
The War of the Pacific had lasting consequences for the involved nations. Bolivia's loss of coastal territory remains a point of contention to this day, and the conflict left scars on diplomatic relations in the region. Additionally, the war highlighted the importance of control over valuable resources, such as nitrates, which became crucial for the industrialization of the participating countries in the years that followed.


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SOURCES
– Andean Tragedy. Fighting the War of the Pacific, 1879-1884 (William F. Sater).
– A Brief History of Peru (Christine Hunefeldt, Bill Harris).
– A Brief History of Bolivia (Waltraud Q. Morales).
– https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-45708671 (25-12-2023).


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