Chile i ndependencia

1. Chileindependencia Scout, Will, Katrina and Julia

2. Spanish Settlement • By the mid-1500’s the Spanish had established settlements in Chile. • The only opposition they encountered from the indigenous people came from the Mapuches, fierce native warriors.

3. Pre-Independent Chile • While Chile was not of chief concern to the Spanish due to economic reasons, Spain did still set up the encomienda system to enslave and subdue the natives • However, since the Chileans were not considered important, they escaped the harsher taxes imposed on other Latin American colonies.

4. 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

5. Pre-Independence • 1808 Napoleon conquered Spain and gave the crown to his brother, Joseph Bonaparte. • This lead the colonists to “temporary” self-rule, until they felt the rightful king had been restored.

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 delayed the formation of the National Congress

8. Rise of Jose Carrera • Carrera was a leader in the minority extremist group that wanted complete independence. • After one failed coup, they succeeded in taking control of Chile. • In 1812 they created a constitution declaring Spanish laws invalid • Established a Chilean Identity with unique patriotic symbols.

9. First Attempts at Government • 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 of 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 • Their arguments over strategy ended up with the army being split • 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. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Current Government • Chile continued the pattern of strong foreign trade and alliances • 19th century Chile supplied by 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.

18. The Effects of the Past on the Present • Constant instability of Government • Frequent constitutions and rebellions • Eventually, the Juntas of the military government in 1989 gradually lost power and a Constitution that created a democracy was approved. • Since the first juntas of Zambrano, Chile has always had these Democratic roots and despite the rebellions and military dictatorships, they were able to unite to create a productive democracy.