Everyday life, mobilizations and citizens’ peace. Social control measures in Tacna and Arica during the First World War (1914-1918)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the diverse impacts of the First World War on the daily life of the border cities of Tacna and Arica (Northern Chile). We argue that this conflict, despite its remoteness, resulted in the imposition of a series of social control measures in the region. These measures were guided by two objectives: the defense of Chilean neutrality and the preservation of social peace. The social control implemented by local and national authorities affected areas such as commercial activity, the migratory freedom of citizens and the ideological mobilization of society. The methodology is based on the analysis of a variety of historical sources, including local newspapers and documents from the Chilean administration in the region.