Partition of Charcas
The Partition of Charcas occurred in 1846 between the Kingdoms of Peru and Argentina and the Empire of Brazil.
Purpose
The purpose of the partition was to peacefully divide the territory of Charcas, known originally as Upper Peru.
Document Structure
Clauses
The clauses dictated that the westernmost third, having already voted to join Brazil, would be allowed to do so. The rest of the region would be bisected through the Brazilian portion. The northern half was granted to Peru, while the southern half was granted to Argentina.
Legal status
The legal status of the partition has not been significantly challenged throughout the history of the three nations. The only opposition came from the Republic of Chile, who would challenge Argentina's access to the Pacific Ocean for possession of the mineral rich lands.
Historical Details
Background
The western third had already voted to join Brazil in 1839, having been occupied controversially since 1822. The annexation was originally contested, as Argentina, Peru, and Chile all claimed various portions of the area of Upper Peru.
Public Reaction
The reactions in Peru bolstered the approval of King John I. In Argentina, the ratification of the treaty was met with praise, as the resource rch lands and the access to the Pacific Ocean was thought to greatly benefit the Argentine eceonomy. In Brazil, the news was mixed, as the government felt the treaty was a fait accompli, and did not attribute fairly to the actions of Emperor Pedro I and his diminishing reputation.
However, in Chile, who had not been invited to the negotions, protested the ratification, as they wished to seize much of the Pacific territories that Argentina had proccurred. This reaction from Chile did not subside until 1879 when Chile won the territory in a war against Argentina.
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