Works in English on the military and naval aspects of the Wars of Independence are not abundant. Professor Worcester sets out to show the decisive role played by sea power in the independence of the West Coast countries. He skillfully develops the story of how Chile, although lacking maritime experience, gained the naval superiority which cost Spain the Viceroyalty of Peru.
In her initial attempt for independence, Chile failed to recognize the strategic importance of the sea with the result that by 1814 the patriot cause seemed lost. From Argentina, the Chilean revolutionaries, with the support of San Martín and Pueyrredón, endeavored to remedy this oversight and to carry the war to the Peruvian seat of Royal power. The acquisition of ships by purchase and capture, the recruiting of able and accomplished American and English seamen including the famous Lord Thomas Cochrane, the struggle to attain and maintain combat capacity, and the successful naval campaigns, make up the bulk of this little volume. The best portion of the study deals with the capture of Valdivia and the invasion of Peru. The author effectively relates the naval war to the land operations and summarizes well the break between Cochrane and San Martín. The book concludes appropriately with the liberation of Chiloé in 1826.
Professor Worcester might be accused of an unsympathetic treatment of San Martín’s strategy, but this is almost inevitable given the basic focus of the study. The appraisal of the controversial Cochrane, who “in the face of extremely adverse conditions made the Chilean squadron into a respectable fighting force,” is decidedly friendly. “In the three years that Cochrane commanded the Chilean navy, it acquired traditions of service which were preserved in large part after his departure, and which were of inestimable value to Chile.”
The book is based mainly upon standard published source materials, rather than intensive original research. It contains little that is new, but its great virtue lies in the concise, well organized presentation of a neglected portion of history. It is very well written, fast-paced, and never ceases to be interesting. Its sole significant defect is the lack of appropriate maps. The author has succeeded admirably in his basic purpose, for he leaves little doubt of the importance of Chilean sea power. This is a superb monograph which will prove of considerable value to student and teacher alike.