Behind the Scenes

Before the European powers could state their positions, the situation in South America changed again. Pressured by the realization that when the lips were gone, the teeth would grow cold, Peru chose to ally with Bolivia, and the Pacific War erupted in full.

With Peru entering the war, the situation in South America became even more complicated. Chile had originally been pressing Bolivia hard, but Peru's entry changed everything. The two sides now appeared evenly matched.

When military strength was comparable, it came down to diplomacy. In this age, the great powers carried enormous weight—especially when both sides were evenly matched. Whoever gained the support of a great power gained the final straw that broke the camel's back.

London, Downing Street

Foreign Secretary Edward said, "The situation in South American countries has never been particularly good. This war between Chile and Bolivia and Peru is not merely over the mineral resources of the Atacama Desert; more than that, it is meant to divert internal conflicts.

"Nearly every South American country has territorial disputes with its neighbors, and most of them also suffer from severe internal conflicts. They all have a need to redirect those internal tensions.

"If we do not intervene in time, more countries will be drawn into this war. If a full-scale war breaks out in South America, it will mean another reshuffling of the deck, which does not serve our interests.

"At present, both sides are seeking our assistance. Taking our traditional friendship into account, I recommend supporting Chile in winning this war."

The countries of South America appeared to have gained independence, but in truth, they remained economic colonies of European nations. They had merely been dressed up a little, making the feast look less ugly.

Without question, Britain took the largest share. As British