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War of the Pacific Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.
War of the Pacific facts for kids
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 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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A metallic brass cartridge for a Fusil Gras mle 1874 and a paper cartridge for a Chassepot rifle. The brass cartridge avoided smoke and ashes of the self consuming paper cartridge.
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Almost all Chilean military operations began with a landing. The exceptions were the operations in the Sierra.
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Chorrillos was the preferred seaside resort of Lima's aristocracy before the war, but during the battle of Chorrillos, the Peruvian line of defense run in the middle of the city and it was shelled, set on fire, looted and reduced to rubble during the conflict. At the end of the battle, bitter fighting had raged in every ruin and street.
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Caricature in the Chilean magazine Padre Cobos. Minister Balmaceda washes his hands of responsibility and ordered 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 have a nice time playing around.