Blockade gave Chile control over logistics and time rather than simply displaying naval power. At Arica, Peru reinforced the garrison to about 8,000 men, but Chile delayed its assault while a city dependent on seaborne food and commerce was steadily impoverished. The blockade fixed troops and made Chile's opponent react to a landing that did not immediately come. At Callao, the same fear of attack from the sea shaped Peruvian preparations, yet Chilean land forces captured Lima and prompted the defenders to scuttle their remaining ships before the port fell.
Notable Point · 2:05:01-2:09:22
Sea control sets the tempo at Arica and Callao
Once Chile controlled the sea, blockades at Arica and Callao weakened port cities and let Chile decide the campaign's pace.