War of the Pacific

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== War of the Pacific ==

The War of the Pacific (Spanish: Guerra del Pacífico), also known as the Saltpeter War (Spanish: Guerra del Salitre), was a conflict between Chile, Bolivia, and Peru that took place from 1879 to 1884. The war was primarily fought over control of the Atacama Desert, which was rich in valuable resources such as nitrate and guano.

Background

The origins of the War of the Pacific can be traced back to territorial disputes and economic interests in the Atacama Desert. The region was rich in nitrate deposits, which were highly sought after for use in fertilizers and explosives. Both Bolivia and Chile claimed sovereignty over parts of the desert, leading to tensions between the two nations.

Outbreak of War

The war began on February 14, 1879, when Chilean forces occupied the Bolivian port city of Antofagasta. Bolivia declared war on Chile on March 1, 1879, and sought an alliance with Peru. Peru, bound by a secret mutual defense pact with Bolivia, entered the war on April 5, 1879.

Major Battles

The War of the Pacific saw several significant battles, including:

• Battle of Iquique (May 21, 1879) - A naval battle where the Chilean ship Esmeralda was sunk by the Peruvian ironclad Huáscar.
• Battle of Pisagua (November 2, 1879) - A major amphibious assault by Chilean forces that resulted in the capture of the port of Pisagua.
• Battle of Tacna (May 26, 1880) - A decisive battle where Chilean forces defeated the combined Bolivian and Peruvian armies.
• Battle of Arica (June 7, 1880) - The capture of the Peruvian stronghold of Arica by Chilean forces.

Consequences

The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Ancón on October 20, 1883, and the Treaty of Valparaiso in 1884. As a result of the war, Chile gained control of the disputed territories, including the provinces of Tarapacá, Arica, and Tacna. Bolivia lost its coastal territory, becoming a landlocked country.

Legacy

The War of the Pacific had lasting effects on the region. The loss of coastal territory had a significant impact on Bolivia's economy and access to maritime trade. The war also solidified Chile's position as a dominant military and economic power in the region.

Related Pages

• Chile
• Bolivia
• Peru
• Atacama Desert
• Nitrate
• Guano
• Treaty of Ancón
• Treaty of Valparaiso