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1830-1850 Chilean Silver Rush
“Chilean silver mining grew at an unprecedented space which transformed mining into one of the country's principal sources of wealth" (alchetron.com). “ . . .rich veins of silver and gold were discovered in the north” (Allende 65). As the news of silver mining rises, Isabel Allende utilizes imagery to bring up wealth and abundance and highlights how Chile was flourishing with no destruction, economic or political issues. Photo by Suvana Garge (alchetron.com) -
1835 Concepcion Earthquake
“The people rushed out of doors in the greatest alarm. It is these accompaniments that create that perfect horror of earthquakes…” (pbs.org). “A series of minor temblors, which came like God’s wrath, finished destroying everything . . .” (Allende 39). As the memories appear, Isabel Allende illustrates vivid language to describe the horror people felt during the Concepcion earthquake. It destroyed Chile and many homes. Photo by David Dobbs (wired.com) -
1839 Opium War
“The Opium War arose from China’s attempts to suppress the opium trade” (britannica.com). “In 1839, when the Opium War between China and Great Britain broke out…Bands of robbers and rebels fought an endless war of ambushes against the government troops. It was a period of destruction and pillage” (Allende 200). Flashback to Tao Chi’en, Isabel Allende illustrates imagery of the chaotic and violent scenes in the Opium War. Photo by J H Lynch (thecollector.com) -
1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
“This treaty, signed on February 2, 1848, ended the war between the United States and Mexico” (archives.gov). “…ended with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo...California no longer belonged to Mexico” (Allende 145). After the signed treaty, gold was found. Isabel Allende uses foreshadow to show the historical shift of California's sovereignty from Mexico to the U.S. because of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, gaining America’s control later. Photo by D. Pletcher (tshaonline.org) -
1849 California Gold Rush
“Thousands of prospective gold miners traveled by sea or over land to San Francisco and the surrounding area..." (history.com). “During the summer and autumn months of 1849…following the ever fainter trail of Joaquin Andieta from the rivers to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada” (Allende 328). As Eliza continues to search for her lover, Isabel Allende uses symbolism to show the hope people had for their fortune during the Gold Rush. Photo by B. Maranzani (history.com) -
1849 California Gold Rush
“San Francisco was thus a large enough town to attract the significant commerce resulting from the gold discovery” (foundsf.org). “It was impossible to count them, but he estimated more than a hundred ships abandoned as if in the heat of battle” (Allende 263). As everyone arrives in California, Isabel Allende uses imagery to infer the Argonauts are eager to find gold. Many ships were abandoned and not docked properly. Photo by FoundSF (foundsf.org) -
1850 Anti-Chinese Violence and Hatred
“Chinese workers were also the targets of violent attacks in the mining camps...working in the gold mines despite such treatment" (loc.gov). “In May of 1853 Eliza read in the newspaper that Joaquin Murieta...attacked a camp of six peaceful Chinese, held them by their queues, and slit their throats” (Allende 466). Following Joaquin’s trail, Isabel Allende utilizes characterization to illustrate the violent attacks and treatment many Chinese miners faced. Photo by Sophia Southard (loc.gov) -
1850 California Admission Day
“California became the 31st state on September 9, 1850. People seeking economic, social and educational opportunity, and a life of quality and breathtaking beauty" (parks.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). Enjoying the celebration, Isabel Allende uses imagery to show how lively and enthusiastic people were when CA became the 31st state. Photo by CA Parks (parks.ca.gov)