The video documentary is about the Pacific War, also known as the War of the Pacific, fought between Chile and the alliance of Peru and Bolivia from 1879 to 1884. The conflict began over a border dispute between Chile and Bolivia, with Bolivia imposing a tax on Chilean saltpeter companies. Chile responded by occupying the port of Antofagasta, leading to a declaration of war by Bolivia and eventually by Peru.
The documentary highlights the naval power disparity between Chile and Peru, with Chile having a more modern and powerful fleet. Despite this, the Peruvian navy adopted a strategy of avoiding direct confrontation and instead focused on attacking Chile's supply lines.
The video sets the stage for the first major naval battle of the war, which will be covered in the next episode.
Here are the extracted facts:
1. In 1866, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Ecuador formed an alliance and defeated Spain.
2. The alliance prevented Spain from reclaiming its lands in Latin America.
3. The fleet of Spain was forced to abandon the South American Pacific.
4. In 1866, internal political struggles reappeared in Latin America.
5. Border conflicts between nations that once fought as allies reignited.
6. The border between Chile and Bolivia was one of the most controversial at the time.
7. Chile claimed its northern border extended to the 23rd parallel of south latitude.
8. Bolivia claimed the border was set at the 26th parallel.
9. The area under dispute contained rich mineral deposits, including saltpeter.
10. Saltpeter was an excellent fertilizer and used in the manufacture of gunpowder.
11. On August 10, 1866, Chile and Bolivia signed their first Boundary Treaty.
12. The treaty set the border at the 24th parallel.
13. The treaty established a zone of shared economic exploitation between the 23rd and 25th parallels.
14. Chile and Bolivia agreed to share equally the profits from saltpeter exploitation.
15. The Antofagasta Nitrate and Railway Company obtained titles for the exploitation of saltpeter in the area.
16. The company was mainly owned by Chilean investors.
17. In 1873, Bolivia and Peru signed a Secret Treaty of Defensive Alliance.
18. The treaty allowed Bolivia to secure an ally in the event of a possible armed conflict with Chile.
19. On August 6, 1874, Chile and Bolivia signed their second Boundary Treaty.
20. The treaty agreed that Bolivia could not impose new taxes on Chile for 25 years.
21. The treaty ratified the border between Chile and Bolivia at the 24th parallel.
22. In 1876, General Hilarión Daza took power in Bolivia.
23. In 1878, Bolivia passed a law to raise a tax of ten cents per quintal of saltpeter exported.
24. The Nitrate Company refused to pay the tax.
25. Chilean President Aníbal Pinto supported the company.
26. Bolivia rescinded the contract with the Antofagasta Nitrate and Railway Company.
27. Chile occupied Antofagasta on February 14, 1879.
28. Peru offered to mediate between Chile and Bolivia.
29. Chile rejected Peru's offer due to its suspicion of a secret treaty between Peru and Bolivia.
30. Bolivia declared war on Chile on March 1, 1879.
31. Chile declared war on Peru on April 5, 1879.
32. The Pacific War began on April 5, 1879.
33. The war was fought between Chile and the alliance of Peru and Bolivia.
34. Chile had a strong naval power, while Bolivia's navy was virtually non-existent.
35. Peru's naval power was weaker than Chile's.
36. The war was fought at sea, with maritime control being key to success.
37. Chile's squadron was commanded by Rear Admiral Juan Williams Rebolledo.
38. Peru's squadron was smaller and avoided fighting Chile's ships.
39. The war started with Chile's blockade of the Peruvian port of Iquique.
40. Peru's squadron sailed to Arica to defend the port.
41. The two naval forces crossed paths without knowing it.
42. Peru's Commander-in-Chief decided to break the blockade of the port of Iquique.
43. Captain Miguel Grau led the attack.