Why did Chile attack Peru?

Answer 1

During the early conflicts prior to the War of the Pacific, Peru sought to negotiate a peaceful diplomatic solution between Bolivia and Chile. Despite Peru had a secret defensive alliance with Bolivia, Peru did not declare war on Chile even after Chile had invaded the Bolivian port of Antofagasta. War would not be declared formally until Chile declared war on both Peru and Bolivia on April 5, 1879. Peru declared war on Chile the following day. The war between the not original belligerents resulted in a Chilean invasion of Peru and the destruction of various Peruvian buildings, cities, a major raid and even a two year occupation of the capital of Peru, Lima. The ultimate result of the war left a deep scar on the three societies involved, and the good relations between Peru and Chile completely tumbled.