War of the Pacific facts for kids

Boundary changes as a result of the war

The War of the Pacific (or Saltpeter War) took place from 1879-1883. It grew out of a dispute between Bolivia and Peru against Chile over control of a part of the Pacific coast. The disputed area was part of the Atacama Desert that lies between the 23rd and 26th parallels. The territory contained valuable mineral resources, mainly potassium nitrate, which were exploited by Chilean companies and British interests. The Bolivian government decided to increase taxes to take advantage of the increasing income of the region, which led to a commercial dispute.

The result of the war was that Bolivia lost its access to the ocean, and became landlocked.

Images for kids

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  All territorial claims by Chile in 1879

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  A metallic brass cartridge for a Fusil Gras mle 1874 and a paper cartridge for a Chassepot rifle. The brass cartridge avoided the smoke and ashes of the self-consuming paper cartridge.

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  Almost all Chilean military operations began by landings. The exceptions were the operations in the Sierra.

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  Battle of San Francisco

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  Battle of Tarapacá

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  Battle of Miraflores

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  Sierra Campaign

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  Caricature in the Chilean magazine Padre Cobos. Minister Balmaceda washes his hands of responsibility and orders Intendent of Santiago Mackenna to get rid of the heavy Peruvian lion. The Santiago elite observes with pleasure the arrival of the statue. "Padre Cobos" and a black child play around.

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  Chile's territorial gains after the War of the Pacific

See also

In Spanish: Guerra del Pacífico para niños