This paper describes the German migration process in the Atacama Desert, mainly around the city ofAntofagasta, during the early period ofnitratc and silver exploitation. Germany's previously unrecognized influence is described as part of the process of institutionalization and promotion of business activities in thc new settlement. The Germans successfully established an interesting social network in Antofagasta that allowed immigrants to learn about the arca's inhospitable geography as well as thc opportunities available in various fields and in a dynamic labor market. Members of this community also ventured into the political arena. All of this was cncouragcd by political and economic factors stimulated by liberalism in Chile.