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🔵PRECIOUS METALS DISCOVERY: NORTHERN CHILE (silver rush)
“To top it off, rich veins of silver and gold were discovered in the north”(Allende 65)
Analysis:
This quote highlights the discovery of metals in northern Chile, playing a crucial role in the nation’s economic expansion. Allende employs imagery to convey the impact of these discoveries, painting a vivid picture of the wealth hidden beneath the Chilean landscape. This narrative enriches the historical context of the novel and underscores transformative effects of mining booms in Chilean society. -
⚪️THE OPIUM WAR
fought between China and Great Britain. The Chinese government gov wanted to ban it because it was addictive but the British East India company wanted to make more profits from it in India where they they grew it. So it created a strife -
⚪️TREATY OF NANJING
Round 1( 1839- 1842) : China destroyed British opium supply, British navy attacked China. British win and a treaty of Nanjing is signed, opening Chinese ports to British trade
“…treaty that ended the first Opium War, the first of the unequal treaties between Chinaand foreign imperialist powers. China paid the British an indemnity, ceded the territory of Hong Kong, and agreed to establish a “fair and reasonable” tariff.“ https://www.britannica.com/event/Treaty-of-Nanjing -
🔵ENACTMENT OF THE CENSUS LAW
Chile adopted the Census Law, establishing a ten-year interval for conducting regular population censuses. This initiative aimed to gather accurate demographic data to inform governmental planning and policy-making. -
🔵ESTABLISHMENT OF FUERTE BULNES
Chile took formal possession of Strait of Magellan by making Fuerte Bulnes. This move aimed to secure the vital maritime passage and prevent foreign powers from claiming the territory. The expedition, led by Captain John Wilson aboard the schooner. A pivotal moment in Chile’s assertion of sovereignty over its southern regions.
“ The fort was built to further the president's colonization policies in Southern Chile and protect the Strait of Magellan.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuerte_Bulnes -
⚪️TREATY OF CANTON
A treaty signed between China, Sweden and Norway as the first (of many) unequal treaties, forcing china to recede privileges of trade following the second Opium war.
“ when all foreign trade coming into China was confined to Canton and the foreign traders entering the city were subject to a series of regulations by the Chinese government.”
https://www.britannica.com/event/Canton-system -
🔴DISCOVERY OF GOLD
Gold was discovered at Sutters Mill by James W. Marshall, sparking the Gold Rush
“ …Marshall went down to the river to inspect progress, and, as he later told the story: "My eye was caught by something shining in the bottom of the ditch. . . . I reached my hand down and picked it up; it made my heart thump, for I was certain it was gold. . . Then I saw another." https://www.loc.gov/collections/california-first-person-narratives/articles-and-essays/early-california-history/discovery-of-gold/ -
🔴BEGIN OF THE GOLD RUSH
San franssico becomes the main port and supply center for gold miners
cities boomed from 1,000 to over 25,000 by the end of 1849
“The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill on January 24, 1848 unleashed the largest migration in United States history and drew people from a dozen countries to form a multi-ethnic society on America's fringe.“ https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/goldrush-california/#:~:text=The%20discovery%20of%20gold%20at,ethnic%20society%20on%20America's%20fringe. -
🔴CALIFORNIA BECOMES A STATE
California becomes the 31st state
“ September 9, 1850. The Golden State’s rich history has since been shaped by people of every ethnic background who traveled here seeking economic, social and educational opportunity, and a life..”
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23856#:~:text=California%20became%20the%2031st%20state%20on%20September%209%2C%201850.&text=California%20situated%20its%20first%20capital,roads%20to%20become%20muddy%20streams.