World Travel 4 Indians

History Of Chile

If we look at the early Chile’s History we discover that there was the control of Incas in the northern part of its territory and that of the Araucanian tribes in its southern part. In the mid 16 th century the Spanish arrived and the first Spanish settlement came into being. Santiago in 1541 and Concepcion in 1550 followed suit. Chile’s History saw Spanish rule till 1818 when it gained independence.

The Spanish were lured to central Chile because of its favorable climate and rich fertile soil. But here they have to face the Araucanian who put up a hostile front. Thus the second half of 19 th century saw frequent wars between the two.

Spanish settlements increased at rapid pace by the middle of 17 th century .

The Viceroyalty of Peru governed the northern and the central parts of Chile while Araucanians

maintained their stronghold in the south. Though independence was declared in 1810 but a period of internal chaos and strife led to reestablishment of Spanish rule again in 1814.

Chile finally got independence from the Spanish colonial rule in 1818 when there was combined attack from Chile as well as Argentina headed by Jose de San Martin and Bernardo O'Higgins. Republic of Chile was formed and Bernard O'Higgins became the first president.

There were a series of conquests by Chile and it won over Bolivia and Peru and Atacama desert with its rich mineral resources came into its control.

Also other gains were Lima, Tarapaca District from Peru and route to open sea which Bolivia lost in the ensuing war.

Parliamentary form of government with multi party system came into being in1891 but it turned to oligarchic system catering chiefly to the interests of the rich and powerful only.

Military rule ensued between 1924-1925. Democracy came again under Arturo Alessandri and the year 1925 also saw the framing of a new liberal constitution.

Left wing parties ruled the roost from 1930 onwards and had an important say in presidential elections but it was the right wing parties who formed the government.

Salvador Allende, a left wing candidate became president in 1970 and thus the factories, mines and public services came under state control.

Allende was removed from his position as a president in 1973 in a military coup and the country saw 16 years of military rule under General Augusto Pinochet.

Finally Democratic elections were held in 1989 and Chile became a democratic country in 1990.