40 Chapter 2
2 United States of America/155 Chile
MID#1512
Dispute Number: 1512
Date(s): December 1891
Participants: 2 United States of America/155 Chile
Outcome (and Settlement): Yield by side B (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: Relations between United States and Chile had been contentious for the
better part of the 1880s. The relations between the two were strained even further
following the Chilean civil war of 1891. The United States backed the incumbent
government of Balmaceda, who drew American sympathy for trying to minimize
British influence in the country. However, the Congressionalists, the rebel faction
implicitly supported by the British, ended up winning the civil war. The United States
recognized the new government in August and even released a Congressionalist ship
it had detained in San Diego, California, during the hostilities. Nevertheless, tensions
remained high and the US Navy Department had a contingency plan for war against
Chile. In October 1891, a group of American sailors from the USS Baltimore were on
shore leave in Valparaiso, Chile, when a riot erupted involving the American sailors,
Chilean sailors, and local townspeople. Both sides blamed the other for initiating
the riot. The United States expressed outrage over the matter and demanded repara-
tion from Chile for the matter. Meanwhile, Chile promised nothing until the judicial
process was complete. A war of words erupted between both sides in late December
1891, resulting in a temporary break in US-Chilean relations. In January 1892, a Chil-
ean court found three Chilean sailors and one American sailor guilty of the attack.
President Harrison refused to accept the court’s findings and was significantly angered
further when Chile demanded that Harrison replace his minister to Chile. The Chilean
government, after being informed by ministers in Europe of the American intentions
for war, eventually conceded. Chile ended up paying US$75,000 in reparation in an
agreement reached in August. It further allowed for a US-Chilean Claims Commission
to convene to resolve various disputes between both sides. The Americans ended up
receiving US$240,000 in damages after the proceedings ended.
Coding changes: End Date changed from January 25, 1892.
2 United States of America/200 United Kingdom
MID#38
Dispute Number: 38
Date(s): December 29, 1837
Participants: 200 United Kingdom/2 United States of America
Outcome (and Settlement): Unclear (None)
Fatalities: None