Chile's defeat of Peru's second defensive line at Miraflores opened Lima to occupation two days later, effectively ending organized Peruvian government.
Key Facts
- Date
- January 15, 1881
- Lima occupied
- Two days after the battle
- Fanning's men killed
- 400 of 524 marines killed in the charge
- War continued after Lima's fall
- Approximately 3 more years under Andres Caceres
- Cultural loss
- Peru's National Library burned during occupation
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the War of the Pacific, Chilean forces advanced on Lima and faced a second defensive line established by Peruvian president Nicolás de Piérola to protect the capital. Chile sought to force a decisive end to the conflict by capturing Peru's seat of government.
On January 15, 1881, Chilean General Manuel Baquedano's army defeated Peruvian forces at Miraflores. A notable episode involved Captain Juan Fanning leading a marine infantry charge of 524 men that nearly outflanked Chilean lines, inflicting significant casualties before being overwhelmed; 400 of Fanning's men died and Fanning himself was mortally wounded.
Two days after the battle, Chilean troops occupied Lima while Peru's president and officers fled into the interior, leaving the country without effective government. The war nonetheless continued for roughly three more years through guerrilla resistance led by Andres Caceres, and during the occupation Chilean forces burned Peru's National Library and ransacked various monuments.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Manuel Baquedano.
Side B
1 belligerent
Nicolás de Piérola, Juan Fanning.