Chile i ndependencia

1. Chileindependencia Scout, Will, Katrina and Julia

2. Spanish Settlement • During the mid-1500’s the Spanish had established settlements in Chile. • There were already indigenous people inhabiting land, but they took with little effort • The only exception was the Mapuches, who were fierce warriors that plagued the Spaniards for over 100 years.

3. Pre-Independent Chile • Chile was by no means the most profitable or economically important of the Spanish colonies, but there were enough mines and agricultural opportunities that the Chileans were kept under control. • Through the encomienda system (the entrustment system), the church managed to enslaved the indigenous people by making them work for the Spaniards, and in return the Spaniards introduced them to Christianity. Religion was a key component for the Spaniards in controlling the natives

4. However, because Chile provided fewer economic gains for Spain, they escaped the harshest of the taxes that were forced onto the rest of the Latin America colonies. • This would create a stronger presence of the loyalist base that would hinder Chile’s struggle for independence

5. Pre-Independence • French Invasion of Spain and the installation of the French Ruler, Joseph Bonaparte. • Realization of the Necessity for “Temporary” Self-Rule • Juntas were formed to govern Chile to replace corrupt Spanish Government.

6. Beginnings of Independence • Senior Soldier Mateo de Toro yZambarno was a Spanish military and political leader at the time. • He agreed to the Creole elite’s request for the formation of ‘juntas’ as an alternative to the Spanish governors • This started the period of Patria Vieja

7. Juntas • The Juntas decided to hold elections to create a National Congress • Most Creoles wanted some distinction between Colony and Motherland, but not complete separation. • A violent protest of the elections by royalists gave the Juntas leaders a reason to weaken the throne’s power.

8. Rise of Jose Carrera • Carrera art of the minority extremist group that wanted complete independence. • After one failed coup, they succeeded in taking control of Chile. • Constitution of 1812 • Established a Chilean Identity with unique patriotic symbols.

9. First colonist gov • As Carrera’s control of Chile’s “temporary” self-government began to gain a more permanent power the Spaniards became concerned and Viceroy Jose Fernando sent an army to regain control the colonists. • Because Carrera had established an unpopular authoritarian government, the army’s landing was met favorably by the people.

10. Reconquista • Military control was divided between Bernardo O’Higgins and Carrera, which proved fatal. Their arguments over strategy ended up with the army being split, and O’Higgins had to confront the Spanish royalist army with only a portion of the rebel troops. This ended with a decisive defeat of the separatists in the battle of Rancagua, and O’Higgins and Carrera were forced to flee to Argentina.

11. Re-conquered Chile • Spanish retaliation against the rebels was brutal. The Royalist general became Governor, but the Spanish replaced him with a peninsular. The Spanish doled out harsh prosecutions, as punishment as well as to deter future revolts. • This had the opposite effect, and served to persuade moderates that independence would become necessary.

12. Exile in Argentina • While in Argentina O’Higgins met the Argentinean Governor San Martin. • The alliance these two formed led to the independence of Chile • They crossed over the Andes back into Chile, harassing the Spaniard with guerilla tactics. • Recaptured the city of Santiago in the battle of Chacabuco • Won the final victory in the Battle of Maipu in 1818.

13. Post-Independence • O’Higgins emerged as the clear leader of the new free Chile in 1818 • He created a strong liberal government that quickly became unpopular and he had to step down in 1823 • After O’Higgins’ resignation Chile adopted a liberal constitution declaring themselves a republic

14. Social Structure in Chile • 3 main classes were prevalent in the early Chilean social structure: • Upper class- rich landowners, generally Creoles, located in the central valley who gained power in the trade industry • Middle Class- peasants and servants, some were located in the central area but mainly in North and South • Lower Class-Indigenous people, stayed mostly isolated

15. Political Groups • The divided social class created two divisive political groups: the conservatives and the liberals • Conservatives: made of upper class, aimed for authoritarian government, were in favor of strong church ties, and were concerned only with Creole freedoms. • Liberals- attracted middle class, were strong federalists, and were against strong church presence in state affairs

16. Portales • In 1830 Conservative General JuaguinPrieto gained control • The actual control was wielded by the merchant and cabinet minister Diego Portales • Portales’ administration advanced the economy and established a firm and lasting oligarchic administration

17. Current Social Structure • The immigration wave in the 19th and 20th centuries influenced the population make up, and now most people are a mix of Spanish, British, German, and native descent. • Europeans still in upper class, mestizos still middle class, and natives still lower class

18. Current Government • Chile continued the pattern of strong foreign trade and alliances • 19th century is was Britain • US is currently linked through trade relations • The government is a stable democratic republic, with a thriving capitalist system and very strong export markets.