Chile Prologue

This is a map of three main battles of the Chilean Revolution http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://geology.com/world/chile-map.gif

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Summary of the Independence of Chile: 1810-1818

In 1810 the initial start of independence for Chile began. Spain was invaded by Napoleon, and King Fernando VII fell. An assembly of the Santiago town council occured soon afterwards, questioning the governor of Chile. As a result this left a window open for revolution because it was not being watched over by spain and the colonies took that chance. The Chilean army was lead by Bernardo O’Higgins and the Carrera brothers. on February 12, 1817 the patriots defeated the royalists and claimed Bernardo O’Higgins (a military director) the supreme director of Chile.The Chileans were helped by Argentina and their leader Jose de San Martin. He was a big help ecspecially when O'Higgins was forced to retreat to Argentina in 1817. A year later in 1818 Chile was officially declared an independent country with its own declaration of independence. On April 5, 1818 Chile defeated Spain on Chilean land. in 1826 the Spainish officially left Chile.

The Main Causes of this war were that the Chileans wanted economic and political freedom while the Spainards wanted control of Chile. Another marvel of this war is that Chileans from all social classes and backgrounds joined a united force to push for their freedom. The public realized that under a military run government the social class really wouldn’t matter because nobody that wasn’t an influence of power would have any rights.

Outcomes

Of course the major outcome of the Chilean Revolution was the independence of Chile from Spain. However, there were other important outcomes of the revolution. One important outcome was the opening of four Chilean ports to foreign ships. This happened in 1811 and was important because Chile finally had international trading. Not only does this mean more imported goods, but it also means they can export goods to more places and get more income. Other outcomes of the revolution were creating a National Library and a National Institute in 1813. These both help education rise, which is very important for a successful country anywhere. Another way O'Higgins helped broaden education is that he had English teachers come to Chile to teach the children. In addition, O'Higgins rejected the idea of nobility in Chile, which forced it to be more equal and democratic.

Brinton's Anatomy of a Revolution

Causes of Major Revolutions

People from all social classes are discontented.

-Only high class could attend town meetings, although, the government in Chile was a military ran government, so the social classes did not matter when it came to the nation as a whole.

War was mostly between upper classes but, had natives fighting.

People feel restless and held down by unacceptable restrictions in society, religion, the economy or the government.

-There were a lot of restrictions in Chile. Spain had complete control until about 1810, so everyone wanted to be free, hence the war of independence.

The Course that Some Revolutions seem to take

Revolutionaries gain power and seem united.

-The people wanted more liberty and freedom. They wanted united in town meetings, and formed an army against the Spanish force.

A strong man emerges and assumes great power.

- Bernardo O’Higgins became the leader of the Chilean army that was fighting Spain. He was later elected the supreme director of Chile.

Results of the Revolution

Did the ideals of the revolution change as its leadership changed?

-Not really. Everyone wanted independence, and Bernardo stepped in to do that for Chile, with the help of Argentina.

Were the original goals of the revolution achieved? At what point? Were these achievements conserved?

-Yes, the point of the revolution was to break away from Spain and gain independence, and they achieved this goal by winning the war.

Which social classes gained most from the revolution? Which lost? Did the original ruling group or individuals from this group return to power?

-Everybody gained power because Spain was in control before the revolution. There was a new government, and the social classes mattered more now. The military did not come back into rule until much after the revolution.

How was the old political, social, and economic order of society [Ancien Regime] changed as a result of the revolution?

-The government changed because the military was not in control anymore. Social classes gained power.

ANATOMY OF A REVOLUTION

People feel restless and held down by unacceptable restrictions in society, religion,' 'the economy or'
'the government.

In Chile the popluation increased a lot during the revolution because of Spain trying to settle on the land. there were lots of issues such as language barriers, distances and an unstable government.

A strong man emerges and assumes great power.

Two men: Jose Carrera [[1]] and Bernardo O'Higgins [[2]] were both very important men in the revolution. Carrera took power as a dictator with force and definitely believed he had all the power. O'Higgins was a big revolutionary leader as well, on the opposing side of Carrera. O'Higgins eventually went on to take control of the army and of Chile.

A period of terror occurs.

Although it was not a major amount of "terror" after the loss at Rancagua [[3]], there were a lot of people worrying whether Chile would win after all. Carrera (the dictator) even had to get help from his opponents after the tough loss. He also got help from the government and people of Argentina.

Timeline created by RDChile6

References

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