In the second half of 1857, when the northern hemisphere had already begun to enter winter, the southern hemisphere began to enter the hot summer level.●⌒The atmosphere suddenly became tense among the small countries in South America. Originally, the traditional power of South America was undoubtedly Brazil. Brazil is the well-deserved leader of South America, both in terms of territory and population. However, Chile came from behind. Relying on exporting copper ore and other resources, Chile quickly accumulated a large amount of wealth, making this powerful country with a population of only more than 1.5 million the richest country in South America.

Valparaiso is a coastal city only a few dozen kilometers away from Santiago, the capital of Chile. It is also the most important port in Chile. Now, since the end of last year, Valparaiso has started construction, a large military port has begun to be built to the north of the port, and military docks and berths are formed under the labor of professional workers from China. In addition, a large shipyard is under construction. In the future, this shipyard will have the ability to repair warships. Of course, as technology accumulates more and more, small warships may also be built to meet the future development needs of the Chilean Navy. Of course, large warships still need to be purchased from outside.

On November 15, 1857, President of the Republic of Chile Manuel Monte Torres led senior officials of the Chilean government from Santiago to Valparaiso to welcome the returning Chilean Navy warships. After Chile signed a secret agreement with the Chinese Empire, Chile sent thousands of naval officers and soldiers to the Chinese Empire for training in two batches.

After nearly a year of training, the Chilean Navy has basically formed combat effectiveness. Today is the day when the Chilean Navy returns. For the Republic of Chile, this fleet consisting of two "East Zhou-class" warships, four "Western Zhou-class" warships, four "Solar-class" cruisers and six "Tiangang-class" destroyers is already an important barrier for them to maintain their strength. They can even expand their territory with this powerful fleet. When the navies of South American countries were almost in the sail era, this navy in Chile was already completely called the most powerful navy in South America.

"Minister Federico, can we start a war against those damn guys after our fleet comes back?" President Manuel Monte Torres smiled. For this goal, Chile has been preparing for a year and owes huge foreign debts. If it cannot defeat the enemy in the north and seize the Atacama Desert, all these efforts made by Chile will be in vain.

"His Excellency the President, after the fleet returns, it only takes several months of adaptive training and then you can go to the battlefield." Minister Federico said. He is the Minister of Navy in Chile, who is also increasing in the government because the Chilean navy is getting bigger and bigger.

"Well, that is to say, we will be able to start war in the first half of next year. Can the Peruvian navy pose a threat to us?" President Manuel Monte Torres raised his eyebrows. Almost all of the warships of the Chilean navy were purchased from China!

"Your Excellency President, this is almost impossible. Although our warships are second-hand warships of the Chinese, they are all new steam warships. The Peruvian navy is just some old sail warships. The naval guns they use are old smoothbore guns, which will almost not pose any threat to us. As soon as the war begins, our navy can easily send their warships to the bottom of the sea!" Minister Federico was full of confidence. During the training of the Chilean navy, he had visited China to observe the training of the Chilean navy, and naturally knew the strength of the Chilean navy.

Although the warships sold by China to Chile are all retired warships, and their performance is somewhat different from mainstream warships. However, in South America, this is already the latest warship. In addition, the Chilean Navy has received training from the Chinese Navy this year, which has brought about earth-shaking changes in the quality of the Chilean Navy. The Chinese Navy is now the most powerful navy in the world. How bad can the students taught be?

"That's good! It seems that we will win next year!" A glimmer flashed in President Manuel Monte Torres's eyes.

"His Excellency the President, the key is to see whether the army can defeat the Peruvians and Bolivians. If the army cannot defeat them, it is impossible for us to occupy the Atacama Desert!" Foreign Minister Perez interrupted.

"Minister Elassuris, it seems that the army has become the key!" President Manuel Monte Torres said with a smile.

"Don't worry, Your Excellency the President, the Army will never be able to hold back. I have to admire that the Chinese Army can defeat so many powerful enemies in the world war, and they have the strength to do so. From their perspective, no one can compare with them. The Army has received more than half a year of training from the Chinese and has now fully mastered new combat skills. I can guarantee that we will definitely be able to fight Peruvians and Bolivians!" Army Minister Erassuris said with his chest.

"Since both the army and the navy can ensure victory, can we celebrate the victory in advance?" Finance Minister Alvano smiled. Although the military purchase of the Chinese Empire put a heavy burden on Chile. But if Chile can win this war, then they will gain far more than they have paid. The bird droppings and saltpeter stored in the Atacama Desert will once again make Chile gain a huge fortune. Chile will also grow into a real power in South America with these resources!

Although the countries Chile is going to challenge this time do not seem to be weak, whether it is Peru or Bolivia, the population has reached 2.5 million, and the population of each country is one million more than Chile. The two countries combined are more than three times that of Chile, which means that the troops they can recruit several times that of Chile.

If it was the age of cold weapons, it might be very difficult for Chile to win. But now it is different. Forces are not the only factor that determines the outcome of a war. There are many other conditions that also determine the outcome of a war. Although Peru and Bolivia have more populations than Chile, they are poor in economy, with backward domestic transportation facilities and poor mobilization capabilities. When Chile's 50,000 elite army is not an opponent at all. It can be said that there is almost no doubt that Chile won the victory of this war.

On the distant sea, smoke suddenly appeared, thick smoke rushed into the sky, creating a large cloud of dark clouds in the sky.

These smoke columns are the smoke columns raised by naval warships sold by China to Chile. The boilers of these warships are coal-burning, so the smoke columns are big and black. Chile lacks oil, but it is not short of coal. Although oil-burning boilers have higher thermal efficiency, they are not suitable for use in Chile. They use coal-burning boilers.

"Navy, it's our navy!" The crowd cheered on the dock.

"His Excellency President, our navy is back!" Navy Minister Federico shouted excitedly.

"I saw that our navy is back, and the most powerful navy in South America has returned!" President Manuel Monte Torres tried hard to calm his emotions, but it was difficult to do it. Chile has always been unwilling to be a small country. For this reason, the wishes of all presidents have been to develop Chile and make Chile a major and powerful country in South America! Now, all this is about to be realized in his hands. How can this not make him excited?

Soon, the warships were getting closer and closer, and the figures of warships appeared. The huge hulls of the two "East Zhou-class" warships leading the Chileans yelled excitedly. The displacement of the "East Zhou-class" warships reached 7,800 tons, which was definitely the most powerful warship in South America. Although the four "Western Zhou-class" warships behind the "East Zhou-class" warships were smaller, they were still first-class warships in South America. These six warships will become the main battleships of the Chilean Navy.

The four "Solar Class" cruisers and six "Tiangang Class" destroyers behind will become fleets for reconnaissance and escort. It can be said that with the return of these warships, the Chilean navy has left the gap with the navies of other South American countries and has become the most powerful navy in South America.

At 11:13 am, under the guidance of the guide ship, sixteen warships of the Chilean Navy entered the military port in turn. Lieutenant General Saniardo, commander of the Chilean Navy fleet, came down from the flagship "San Diego" and reported to President Manuel Monte Torres that the fleet returned to China after training.

"His Excellency President, the fleet has returned to China now. Please give me instructions!" Lieutenant General Saniardo is a middle-aged general in his forties. At this age, it is a great time to make achievements.

"Hiss Commander, please visit your fleet first!" President Manuel Monte Torres said with a smile.

"Yes, Your Excellency the President, please!" Lieutenant General Saniardo quickly invited everyone to board the ship.

A group of senior officials of the Chilean government, accompanied by Lieutenant General Saniardo, boarded the warship "San Diego" and visited the most powerful warship in South America. President Manuel Monte Torres was very satisfied with the warship "San Diego", especially the three dual-mounted 280mm main guns, which undoubtedly seemed very powerful. Such a large caliber naval gun would definitely easily send the enemy's warship to the bottom of the sea.

With the return of the fleet, Chile's military preparation has entered the final stage. It can be said that they are now sharpening their knives and are just waiting for the last time. (To be continued, please search for Astronomy, novels are better, updated and faster!

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Chapter completed!