En torno a los Origenes de La Guerra del Pacifico

Abstract

After a year of deterioration in their diplomatic relations, in April 1879 Chile, on one side, and Bolivia and Peru, on the other, went to war for the second time in 42 years. The outcome was a resounding victory for Chile and the loss of considerable territory by her opponents. Even though hostilities ceased in 1884, ever since then relations between the three countries have been difficult, particularly, although not exclusively due to Bolivia’s claim for a sovereign access to the sea, which she lost during the war. This article analyses some of the economic factors which were crucial in the series of events that the led to the outbreak of hostilities. It is a view from the side of the winners that is to say from Chile’s viewpoint, since it was constructed mainly with documents and bibliography originating in that country.