-
Chilean Silver Rush
Between 1830 and 1850 Chilean silver mining grew at an unprecedented pace which transformed mining into one of the country's principal sources of wealth. (dbpedia.org) “To top it off, rich veins of silver and gold were discovered in the north” (Allende 65) Allende uses the quote to show what time period the book is in. Photo by dbpedia (dbpedia.org) -
Concepcion, Chile Earthquake
“On Feb 20th 1835, a large earthquake (estimated M8.1-8.2) shook the cities of Concepción and Talcuahano in Chile, and generated a large tsunami which battered the Chilean coastline.“
(disaster-analytics.com) “Two hundred years earlier, a devastating earthquake had leveled the capital, completely destroying the church of San Agustin except for the altar that held this Christ.”(Allende 40) Allende describes the tragedy of the Chile earthquake. Photo by David Lallemant (disaster-analytics.com) -
The Treaty of Nanking
"China paid the British an indemnity, ceded the territory of Hong Kong, and agreed to establish a “fair and reasonable” tariff."
(britannica.com). "When the treaty of Nanking was signed, it was the final blow for the zhong yi. The emperor, and every citizen of China down to the most humble, was dishonored."
(Allende 202). This quote explores the theme of freedom in a tragic way, since China more or less turned over a large part of their sovereignty to the British. Photo: britannica.com -
Gold Discovered at Sutter’s Mill
“Gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in California, sparking the largest mass migration in U.S. history. San Francisco’s population exploded as thousands arrived, hoping to strike it rich.” (wiki) “At the port of San Francisco, Captain John arrives on the Fourtuna with hte second shipment of fresh produce from chile, packed in glacier ice. “
(Allende, 1999) The Gold Rush turned SF rapidly, and “glacier ice” shows Chile Cali trade. wikipedia -
Chileans join the gold rush
In 1849, thousands of Chileans migrated to California, driven by the Gold Rush. They brought advanced mining techniques, significantly influencing gold extraction methods. Many, like Joaquín from Daughter of Fortune, left in pursuit of wealth. (wiki) “By 1849, Chileans of every stripe have fallen prey to feverish dreams of wealth. Joaquin takes off for SF to seek his fortune. “
(Allende 1999) IN 1849, chileans sought gold in Cali, mirroring Joaquin’s journey in DOF -
First Foreign Miner's Tax
"The first foreign miner’s tax was passed by the California legislature in 1850. It required all miners who were not U.S. citizens to pay $20 per month for the right to mine in the state."
(library.ca.gov). "That year, 1850, the legislature of California approved a tax on mining operations designed to protect whites."
(Allende 399). Allende emphasizes the racial inequality of this law, giving the reader a more vivid perspective of the hardships immigrants faced. Photo: library.ca.gov -
California becomes a State
"With the Gold Rush came a huge increase in population and a pressing need for civil government. In 1849, Californians sought statehood and, after debates in the U.S. Congress, California became the 31st state on September 9, 1850." (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). Allende uses Tao's perspective to reel in the reader into his first-person perspective. Photo: parks.ca -
Joaquin Murrieta is *allegedly* killed
"A team of California rangers, attacked an outlaw camp in the early morning hours of July 25, 1853, killing eight men—Murrieta allegedly among them."
(www.history.com/news/joaquin-murrieta). "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 Murrieta had been killed."
(Allende 481). Once again, Allende uses Tao's perspective to bring historical events closer to the reader. Photo: history.com