Timeline

1860-The beginning of mass European emigration to Latin America is accompanied by increased foreign investment, major railway building, industrialization, organized labor, and the rise of positivist philosophy. 1871- In Brazil, the Free Womb Law (Lei do Ventre Livre) frees all children born to slaves. 1879-84 - Bolivia and Peru engage in the War of the Pacific with Chile, with the result that Bolivia is landlocked.1898- The Spanish-American War is fought. Cuba and Puerto Rico are ceded to the United States.