The War of the Pacific Broke Out in 1879

Today in Latin American history, the War of the Pacific broke out when Chilean armed forces occupied the Bolivian port city of Antofagasta in 1879.

The war involved Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, ultimately resulted in Chilean annexation of valuable disputed territory on the Pacific coast.

The conflict evolved from a dispute between Chile and Bolivia over control of a part of the Atacama Desert on the Pacific coast of South America. The territory contained valuable mineral resources, particularly sodium nitrate.

The war continued until 1883.

Other events that occurred on this day:

Today in LatAm history, Mexican revolutionary hero Vicente Guerrero died in 1831

Today in LatAm history, Argentine exotic dancer Fanne Foxe who was at the center of the Wilbur Mills scandal was born in 1936

Today in LatAm history, Brazilian beach volleyball player Adriana Behar who has won two Olympic Silver Medals was born in 1969

Today in LatAm history, Uruguayan footballer Edinson Cavani who plays for the National team & Napoli was born in 1987

Today in LatAm history, Argentine footballer Ángel di María who plays for the National team & Real Madrid was born in 1988

Today in LatAm history, Mexican footballer Néstor Calderón who plays for the National team & Santos Laguna was born in 1989