HIST 8B Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Paraguayan War, Atacama Desert
Document Summary
Two examples: war of the pacific (1879-1884) Went to war because of nitrate (rare mineral resource) Scarcely populated region, but found out to have nitrates. Nitrates used in agricultural commercial operations and in weapons. Water boom created way to have funds for railroads, institutions, Needed to replenish soils across the world; nitrates made fertilizers. Markets tied to each other, so people trying to produce for other markets far away. By 19th century, there is global demand for nitrates which create conditions for urgent needs for fertilizers around the world. Guano (bird poop that is good for fertilizer) not reason for war, but used before. Guano boom is one of the reasons why us has many pacific islands today. War of pacific took place because of the time when guano boom had taken a decline and they found nitrate sources in atacama desert (northern peru today)
