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Chilean Silver Rush
“Between 1830 and 1850, Chilean silver mining grew at an unprecedented pace . . . A number of Chileans made large fortunes in the rush and made investments in other areas of the economy of Chile” (Wikipedia). “. . . rich veins of silver and gold were discovered in the north . . . those mines . . . were an unexpected prize for their descendants” (Allende 65). Allende shows how Chileans were in a way rewarded for persevering through the hardships with the discovery of riches. Photo by Minerat -
Concepcion Earthquake
“Both towns presented the most awful yet interesting spectacle I ever beheld . . . the ruins were so mingled together . . . that it was scarcely possible to imagine its former condition” (Darwin). “That was the year of the floods . . . a series of minor temblors, which came like God’s wrath, finished destroying everything . . .” (Allende 38-39). Allende and Darwin both point to the destructive power of earthquakes and the way they reshape the entire landscape. Drawing by John Clements Wickham -
Treaty of Nanking
"This treaty was agreed to in Nanjing after the Opium War between Britain and China. It's usually considered the first of the unequal treaties foreign powers imposed on China" (USC). When the treaty of Nanking was signed, it was the final blow . . . The emperor, and every citizen of China down to the most humble, was dishonored” (Allende 202). After China lost the Opium War, it meant dishonor to their entire nation, which Allende portrays through the zhong yi's death. Painting by John Platt -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
"This treaty, signed on February 2, 1848, ended the war between the United States and Mexico. By its terms, Mexico ceded 55 percent of its territory . . ." (archives.gov). “. . . By the time the news spread, California no longer belonged to Mexico . . . (it) had been largely ignored before it was known that it was sitting on a never-ending treasure” (Allende 145). Allende uses this historical event to show how the US stumbled upon a hidden treasure in California. Photo by Getty Images -
Gold Arrives in Chile
"In the fall of 1848, the brig J.R.S. sailed into Valparaiso carrying California gold . . . The sight of California's riches captivated Chileans" (pbs.org). “The wildfire of greed flared immediately among Chileans, who had the souls of miners, and the rush to California began the next month” (Allende 146). Allende followed the rush of Chileans to California with many main characters and described the masses that made the journey in search of fortune. Drawing from legendsofamerica.com -
California Becomes a State
"California became the 31st state on September 9, 1850. The Golden State’s rich history has since been shaped by people of every ethnic background . . . seeking economic, social and educational opportunity" (ca.gov). “In September of 1850, Tao was present at the noisy patriotic celebration when California became the newest state in the union.” (Allende 386). People of all backgrounds were present to celebrate California officially become part of the United States. Photo by Teaching California -
San Francisco Committee of Vigilance
". . . there is no security for life and property . . . Therefore the citizens . . . do unit themselves into an association for the maintenance of the peace and good order of society" (ucr.edu). ". . . a vigilante committee had been formed by outraged citizens . . . Vigilantes immediately threw themselves into the task" (Allende 408-409). Allende describes how the vigilante committee in a way made things worse by immediately hanging people they suspected of crimes. Photo by sfmuseum.org -
San Francisco Fire
“The wind was unusually high, and the flames spread in a broad sheet over the town. All efforts to arrest them were useless . . . No conception can be formed of the grandeur of the scene . . .” (Marryat). "The wood caught fire like roman candles . . . in less than ten minutes it was blazing like a torch . . ." (Allende 377-378). Although on a much smaller scale, Allende draws connections to larger historical fires in her depiction of the fire at the barn. Drawing by Unknown Author