Summary of La Guerra del Pacífico - Ep. 7: La Campaña de Tacna y Arica (1/4)

00:00:00 - 00:20:00

In episode 7 of the "La Guerra del Pacífico" series, the events leading up to the campaign on Tacna and Arica during the War of the Pacific are discussed. The video highlights the instability and political chaos experienced by Peru and Bolivia since their independence from Spain, leading to a constant transition of power and a lack of cohesion among the allied forces. The Chilean army launched a successful campaign after the Navy blocked off the Peruvian coast to prevent supplies from reaching the enemy, reorganized into divisions that caused disagreement among commanders. The Chileans easily disembarked in Pacocha without any opposition and continued naval operations with a battle that resulted in the death of the Chilean captain of the Huáscar. Ultimately, the campaign revealed a lack of cohesion among the allied forces and promised to be the turning point of the war.

• 00:00:00 In this section, the instability and political chaos experienced by Peru and Bolivia since their independence from Spain is discussed. The constant revolutions, military coups, and uprisings distracted the leaders from governing and maintaining power, leading to a transition of power with the slightest chance. The decline of popularity of Peruvian President Mariano Ignacio Prado led to instigations from political enemies, leading him to return to Lima, appointing Rear Admiral Elisardo Montero as the political and military chief for the departments in the south and abandoning the city of Arica. However, this was seen as an act of cowardice and sparked uprisings, leading to the appointment of Nicolas de Pierola as the new leader. Meanwhile, in Bolivia, a conspiracy against Dictator Hilarión Daza was brewing, as he was accused of cowardice and betrayal and was rumored to abandon the alliance, leading to the involvement of some Peruvian leaders worried about the withdrawal of Bolivian troops.
• 00:05:00 In this section, the video discusses the events leading up to the campaign on Tacna and Arica during the War of the Pacific. Bolivian President Daza's army was separated from him, causing him to flee and be replaced as president by General Narciso Campero. In Chile, there were differences in opinions between the Minister of War and Marine and the President's cabinet on which area to conquer next. The cabinet decided on Tacna and Arica, hoping to give Bolivia the area to persuade them to sign a separate peace treaty. The Chilean government then ordered the campaign and the Navy blocked off the Peruvian coast to prevent supplies from reaching the enemy. Chile also launched expeditions to reconnoiter the ports of Ilo and Pacocha. The Chilean army was reorganized into divisions, causing disagreement among commanders. Eventually, the army was fully prepared to launch its campaign.
• 00:10:00 In this section, the video describes the initial stages of the Tacna and Arica campaign during the War of the Pacific. The Chilean army easily disembarks in Pacocha without any opposition, as the Peruvian garrison had already retreated. Meanwhile, in Arica, the relationship between the new Peruvian government and its military commander, Lisardo Montero, is tense due to personal and political animosity. Montero is not informed of the organization of the army, which is split between Peruvian and Bolivian soldiers, and the reinforcements from other areas are stopped. Naval operations continue with a battle resulting in the death of the Chilean captain of the Huáscar at the hands of the Peruvian ship Manco Cápac. Ultimately, the campaign reveals a lack of cohesion among the allied forces.
• 00:15:00 In this section, we learn about the Chilean expedition to Moquegua and the assault on Cerro de Los Ángeles. The Chilean forces, led by General Manuel Baquedano, suffered greatly from the lack of water and intense heat while marching on Moquegua. They triumphed over the Peruvian forces and gained control of the city after a successful assault on Cerro de Los Ángeles. Meanwhile, in Arica, the Peruvians received a much-needed auxiliary from the corvette Union, commanded by Captain Manuel Villavicencio. The Chilean fleet tried to prevent the delivery but failed as the Union passed between the Amazonas transport and the Isla Alacrán.
• 00:20:00 In this section, the Union ship managed to evade Chilean pursuit and successfully break through the blockade of Arica, allowing for the last aid to reach the first Southern Army. Montero made the decision to march towards Tacna to defend the city, leaving Colonel Francisco Bolognesi in charge of the plaza with the seventh and eight divisions. The Chilean high command also faced internal conflict as Minister Sotomayor tried to have more involvement in the army, causing tension with General Escala who ultimately resigned. Sotomayor started planning the advance towards Tacna, while the allied high command gathered their forces to defend the city. The upcoming battle promised to be the turning point of the war.