Overview of Land and History 23The War of the Pacific
The War of the Pacific was waged from 1879 until 1883 and
pitted Chile against a united Peru and Bolivia for control of
the Atacama Desert. All three countries claimed parts of the
desert. In fact, prior to the war Bolivian territory extended
all the way to the coast at Antofagasta, and the city of Arica
belonged to Peru. This area contained huge mineral deposits,
especially sodium nitrate. Chileans began mining in parts
of Peru and Bolivia, for which they paid royalties to both
governments. However, the two countries became fearful
of Chilean expansion and formed a secret alliance. Between
1875 and 1878, Peru and Bolivia seized all Chilean claims,
This statue is of Arturo Prat, Chile’s foremost naval hero. He is admired for his
bravery and honour during the Battle of Iquique in the War of the Pacifi c.