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Opium War
During the spring of 1839, the Chinese authorities confiscated and destroyed more than 20,000 chests of opium that were stockpiled in Guangzhou by British traders. (britannica.com) “In 1839, when the Opium War between China and Great Britain broke out, Tao Chi’en was sixteen years old” (200) Allende develops Tao Chi'en and offers many details about the events that shaped his journey to his current circumstances. -
British Colony Arrives in Valparaiso
The Royal Navy initiated discussions with Chile to explore the possibility of establishing their South America Station (later renamed Pacific Station in 1837) at the port of Valparaiso (britishempire.co) “And that was the state of things at the end of 1845 when the commercial maritime fleet of Great Britain assigned a chaplain in Valparaiso” (76). Allende provides historical background and clarifies that Britain came to Valparaiso primarily for missionary purposes. -
Gold Discovered in Northern Chile
During the 19th century, there was political unrest, and a surge in silver, copper, and nitrate mining. The Tierra del Fuego gold rush marked this era. Despite the initial excitement, gold reserves in the region were depleted, and nowadays, Tierra del Fuego is mainly recognized for its oil resources. “ . . .rich veins of silver and gold were discovered in the north”. Allende tells the economic upswing of 1845, brought about by the uncovering of silver and gold deposits in Northern Chile. -
European Immigration to Chile
In the 1840s, European colonists left their home countries, primarily in North America, and established themselves in Chile and various other South American countries. In an effort to entice European settlers, a law was made in 1845, providing them with transportation to Chile and part of land containing supplies when they arrive. “The government is trying to improve the race by importing European immigrants. Did you know, Mr Todd, that in the south they are giving away land to colonists?” (23) -
49ers Boom into SF
About forty thousand people came to the United States in 1849, traveling by sea, most of them arriving at the port of San Francisco (then called Yerba Buena). The once-small town saw fast development due to this confluence. The stories of Isabel Allende provide a range of examples of people who went in search of gold. Some were successful, but most weren't. A shot from Legends of America by Frank Marry beautifully captures this historical era. “Gold fever left no one unaffected…” (270). -
Gold Rush in San Francisco
Approximately 40,000 individuals arrived in 1849 through multiple sea routes. The majority of immigrants arrived at San Francisco's harbor, and the city’s population rapidly increased. "Gold fever left no one unaffected: smiths, carpenters, teachers, doctors, soldiers, fugitives from the law..." (270). Allende gives numerous examples of those who came in search of gold. Some people found success, while others didn't. -
California: The 31st State
“California entered the Union as a free, non slavery state by the Compromise of 1850. California became the 31st state on September 9, 1850” (sparks.ca.gov). "In September of 1850, Tao was present at the noisy patriotic celebration when California became the newest state in the Union"
(386). Allende paints a vivid picture of the celebration, describing it as boisterous and patriotic, giving us a sense of what it could have been like to be there in person. -
John Murrieta Dies
"A team of California rangers, led by Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff Harry Love attacked an outlaw camp in the early morning hours of July 25, 1853, killing eight men, Murrieta allegedly among them” (history.com). "The next day Tao Chi'en went out early to buy a newspaper, as he always did before opening the office, and was met with a six-column headline: Joaquín Murieta had been killed” (396). By not creating any buildup to the event, Allende makes this death feel sudden and surprising.