War of the Pacific
1879–1884
Chile against Peru and Bolivia, over the nitrate deserts of the Atacama. To move its armies north, Chile needed command of the sea. For five months Peru's single turret ship Huáscar, under Miguel Grau, held off the whole Chilean navy, until she was cornered and captured at Angamos.
How the fleets moved
Click a route to see which ships made it, or a battle for its summary. Routes are approximate.
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Chilean movement
Peruvian movement
Battle (size: ships engaged)
Routes are approximate.
Battles
In date order.
8 October 1879
Battle of AngamosOff Punta Angamos, near Mejillones
Decisive Chilean victory
6
vs
2 (1 lost)
Fleets
Each navy's ships in the war, from its biggest down.