WAR OF THE PACIFIC - (1879-1884)

Above: Map showing borders of the involved countries before and after the War of the Pacific 1879-1884

Chile, Bolivia and Peru were involved in this war. It resulted in Chile’s annexation of rich disputed regions on the Pacific coast. The main cause was a tussle between Chile and Bolivia over a part of the Atacama Desert, containing sodium nitrate that lay between 23rd and26th parallels on the Pacific Coast of South America. Chile’s military superiority and discipline brought it success while failure was the lot of Bolivia and Peru.

The frontiers between the nations had always been rather ambiguous until the two countries settled for the 24th parallel as their boundary. This gave Chile the right to share the taxes levied on export products lying in Bolivian territory between the 23rd and 24th parallels. But Bolivia, in course of time became to resent this and became apprehensive about Chile seizing more parts of the coastal area.

Above: Map showing the campaigns during the War of Pacific 1879-1884

Peru was the traditional enemy of Chile as regards control of the Pacific coastline. It also needs to be noted that Peru was prosperous largely because of its monopoly in fertilizers and the booming nitrate industry in its Tarapaca province. The latter was connected to the Bolivian mining operations along the coast.

Above: Chilean troops formation in Plaza Colon, Antofagasta

In 1873 Peru and Bolivia came to a secret agreement guaranteeing their mutual territories and independence. In 1874 Chile and Bolivia came into a new agreement by which Chile gave up its portion of export taxes on minerals shipped from Bolivia and Bolivia agreed not to raise taxes on Chilean enterprises in Bolivia for another twenty-five years. But when Bolivia overlooked this and attempted to increase taxes of a Chilean nitrate company, Chile broke into protests. In reply Bolivia threatened to impound the property. Immediately Chilean forces marched into the port city of Antofagasta in February 1879. Bolivia now openly declared war and asked for the help of Peru. In April 1879 Chile declared war against both Peru and Bolivia.

Above: Naval War during the War of the Pacific 1879-1884

With ease Chile occupied the Bolivian coastal region of Antofagasta province and took the offensive against Peru, which was more powerful. Two naval victories at Iquique and Angamos in May and October 1879 respectively enabled Chile to be in control of the coastline of Peru. This was followed by the army invading Peru. USA tried but failed to mediate. Chile occupied the capital of Peru, Lima in October 1880. Peruvian resistance however continued for three more years supported by American encouragement.

On 20th October 1883 Peru and Chile sat at the table and signed the Treaty of Ancon by which the province of Tarapaca was given to Chile. Chile was also allowed to occupy the provinces of Tacna and Arica for a decade after which elections were to be held to determine its nationality. On this issue for many years the two countries failed to come to a point of understanding. It came to be known as the ‘Question of the Pacific’. Due to American mediation, in the end Chile was allowed to keep Arica but had to pay compensation to Peru to the tune of $6 million. Other concessions had to be made by Chile also.

Above: A cover of a book entitled ‘Andean Tragedy‘ with an image depicting the bitterness and cruelty, that the Pacific War in 1879-1884 has brought

The war took a heavy toll of lives in Peru. Much property too was laid waste. Peru lost her best warships and her control of the ocean. Looting and pillage followed the Chilean occupation of Lima. Even the National Library was not spared.

The end of this war saw the outbreak of a civil war and the nation floundered for many decades onwards.

A truce in 1884 between Bolivia and Chile gave Chile control over the entire Bolivian coastline rich in nitrate, copper and other minerals. In 1904 this arrangement became permanent by a treaty. Chile on its part agreed to build a rail link connecting La Paz, the capital of Bolivia with the port of Arica and guaranteed freedom of commercial movement through the lands and ports of Chile. Bolivia tried repeatedly to get out of this landlocked prison through the La Plata river system towards the Atlantic. These efforts led to the Chaco War (1932-35) between Bolivia and Paraguay.

Below: Map of La Paz, Bolivia and her neighboring Countries (click map to enlarge)

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