176 Chapter 2
the illegitimate ownership of Bolivian territory by Chile. This session ended with the
proclamation that the Bolivian president would be able to declare war against Chile
if an “honorable” solution had failed to be reached. Around this time a Spanish fleet
appeared, and Bolivia’s proclamation and the presence of the Spanish caused Chile to
enlarge its navy. Funds to authorize the purchase of new Chilean warships were passed
in December 1863. Both countries began to focus more on the presence of the Spanish
fleet. This was the last mention of this dispute for at least six months.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from February 1863.
MID#1518
Dispute Number: 1518
Date(s): November 8, 1878 to October 20, 1883
Participants: 155 Chile/135 Peru, 145 Bolivia
Outcome (and Settlement): Victory for side A (Imposed)
Fatalities: >999 deaths
Narrative: The War of the Pacific pitted Chile against the allied forces of Peru and
Bolivia in a conflict that had profound consequences for all states involved. The bor-
ders of Chile, Peru, and Bolivia converged in an area that was minimally populated
but rich in nitrates that had become a significant source of trade with European pow-
ers. Chile had already been mining the area for its natural resources by commission
from Bolivia, which had territorial control over the region. However, these commis-
sions soon became the pretext for making territorial claims on Bolivia regarding the
area. Chile wanted the Antofagasta and Atacama regions as their own. Their interests
were not just limited to the Bolivian provinces—Chilean interest went as far north as
Tacna and Arica, then Peruvian territory.
Chile struck Bolivia first on February 14, 1879. Peru went on alert and tried to medi-
ate, but Chile’s interest in Peruvian territory ultimately made Peru a target as well.
Chile declared war on Peru on April 5. Chile emerged victorious over the course of
four years of war and significantly altered the territorial composition of all three states
involved in the conflict. The Treaty of Ancon, signed on October 20, 1883, imposed
the terms of settlement on Peru. Chile acquired Tacna and Arica, holding them for
over 40 years until mediation from Herbert Hoover returned Tacna to Peru. Chile kept
Arica. Chile’s imposed terms on Bolivia ultimately gave Chile all of Bolivia’s coast,
landlocking Bolivia ever since.
MID#1184
Dispute Number: 1184
Date(s): July 14, 1920 to August 1920
Participants: 155 Chile/135 Peru, 145 Bolivia
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: In the wake of the Bolivian revolution in which a new regime was
installed, Chile mobilized its forces along its border on July 14, 1920, following a
revolution and regime change in Bolivia. Peru then mobilized its forces three days
later. The force mobilizations lasted through the months of July and August.