Summary of La Guerra del Pacífico - Ep. 10: La Batalla de Arica - ASALTO

00:00:00 - 00:20:00

The video covers the Battle of Arica during the War of the Pacific, in which the Chilean army launched a final assault on the fortified positions of the Peruvian army in Arica. The Chileans successfully breached the fortifications, resulting in intense fighting and the ultimate victory of the Chilean army. After the battle, many Chilean soldiers committed abuses and looted the city before order was restored. The aftermath of the battle involved the transportation of wounded soldiers and the bodies of fallen soldiers, and the memory of the battle still resonates with Chileans and Peruvians today.

• 00:00:00 In this section, we see the Chilean army preparing for the final assault on the forts in Arica. The plan establishes that the third line would be in charge of the attack on the Citadel Fort, employing a similar tactic of attack and envelopment to cut off any retreat route. Meanwhile, the Lautaro regiment would take charge of the assault on the northern batteries and trenches. However, moments before the start of the attack, Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo Castro, who was directed to lead the charge for the Citadel Fort, refused to initiate the advance. The commanders of the third line then took charge of the assault to commence the battle for Arica.
• 00:05:00 In this section, the video describes the intense fighting that took place during the Battle of Arica, specifically in the Fort Ciudadela and the Fort Este. The Chilean forces made successful breaches in both forts, and a brutal fight broke out between the Peruvian defenders and the attacking Chilean soldiers. Despite the brave resistance by the Peruvian soldiers, the balance of power ultimately favored the Chileans, and the last line of defense was breached. The octava división Peruana attempted to come to the rescue but was intercepted by Chilean troops, resulting in a high number of casualties. The section concludes with a young Peruvian artillerist who, seeing the position lost, detonates the powder keg of the Fort Ciudadela in one last act of resistance, killing both Peruvian defenders and the attacking Chilean soldiers.
• 00:10:00 In this section, we see the final assault by the Chilean soldiers on the fortified position of the Peruvian army on the Morro de Arica. The Peruvian troops put up a desperate fight, with many of their leaders and officers falling in combat. The final assault proved unstoppable, and the Chileans seized the hill, sealing their victory with the hoisting of their flag. Meanwhile, in the city, scattered groups of Peruvian soldiers resisted, but they were quickly surrounded and executed, with even those who surrendered being killed.
• 00:15:00 In this section, the transcript describes the final moments of the Battle of Arica, during which many Chilean soldiers committed abuses and looted the city before the officers were able to restore order with the help of soldiers from the Wind. The battle concluded with a decisive victory for the Chilean army, with a mortality rate reaching 60% among Peruvian forces. The news of the battle was transmitted to Arequipa and Santiago almost immediately, and the Chilean army had effectively secured their position in the south with the conquest of Arica. However, President Nicolás de Piérola of Peru remained confident that his country would ultimately win the war, despite the loss of their professional army and many of their best leaders.
• 00:20:00 In this section of the video, the focus is on the aftermath of the Battle of Arica. The Peruvian transport, Limeña, was authorized by Galvarino Riveros to cross the blockade and transport wounded soldiers from Tacna and Arica. The corpses of Bolognesi and Morey Zavala were also transported back to Lima, and the jefe de Arica, Samuel Valdivieso, gave permission for the bodies to leave. Today, the memories of the battle still resonate with both Chileans and Peruvians, and it is important to study history to learn from past mistakes and honor those who sacrificed their lives. The video creators express gratitude for the support and encouragement they've received and invite suggestions for future topics.