Battle of Tacna
Alto de la Alianza (Intiorko Hill), just north of Tacna, Peru
What happened
The Chilean army under General Manuel Baquedano fought a combined Peruvian and Bolivian army commanded by the Bolivian president, General Narciso Campero. In the War of the Pacific, Peru and Bolivia defended a long line on a hill just north of the city of Tacna. The Chilean army attacked after an exchange of artillery. After about five hours of fighting, the allied army withdrew, and Chile took Tacna.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It broke the alliance between Peru and Bolivia, and Bolivia left the war. Tacna stayed under Chilean rule for nearly fifty years.
What came next
The Treaty of Ancón (1883) ended the war. Under the Treaty of Lima (1929), Tacna returned to Peru while Arica stayed with Chile.
Did you know?
Every 28 August, people in Tacna carry a huge Peruvian flag through the city to mark its return to Peru, a tradition that began in 1901 when Chilean rule banned the flag.
Timeline
- 16 May 1880The hill is renamed Alto de la Alianza.
- 26 May 1880Chile wins the Battle of Tacna.
- 20 October 1883The Treaty of Ancón ends the war.
- 28 August 1929Tacna returns to Peru.