How did Chile acquire Easter Island?

Abstract

The fact that Chile, a small South American country, distant by 2,000 miles and with absolutely no Polynesian ties, exercises sovereignty over Easter Island is, to many, a mystery as profound as the origin of the giant stone statues that cover the island. This paper will not rectify errors, will not set the record straight but it will, hopefully, tell the story of how this remote acquisition by the Republic of Chile came about.