Chile defeats the Peruvian fleet at Casma,…

Chile defeats the Peruvian fleet at Casma, Peru, on January 12, 1839, and the Bolivian army at Yungay, Peru, on January 20.

These Chilean victories destroy the Peru-Bolivia Confederation, make Chile lord of the west coast, bring unity and patriotism to the Chilean elites, and give Chile's armed forces pride and purpose as a military with an external mission.

The successful war also helps convince the European powers and the United States to respect Chile's coastal sphere of influence.

Subsequently, the country wins additional respect from the European powers and the United States by giving them economic access and concessions, by treating their citizens well, and by generally playing them off against each other.