The history of Chile is typical for a country that was formed in South America. It began to be actively populated about five hundred years ago. In the XVI century, its massive conquest by Europeans began, the Spanish conquistadors began to subjugate the territories. The Chilean people gained independence from the powerful colonial power only in the 19th century.
First Europeans
The history of Chile often begins in 1520, when the first European set foot on local soil. It was the famous traveler Ferdinand Magellan. He landed with his team in the area of the current city of Punta Arenas.
Spanish troops began to actively conquer countries, take everything under their control. In 1533, the Spanish army under the command of Francisco Pizarro captured the untold riches of the Incas, which were stored in the territory of modern Chile. But until a certain time, only the coast of this state was being developed.
Europeans penetrate inland
In 1536, Diego de Almagro penetrates inland. He reaches a valley called Copiapó. To master the south, he sends Gomez de Alvarado, who accompanied him on the road. For many tens of kilometers, local residents do not offer them any resistance.
Only near Rio Itata they encounter militant Indians. After several hard battles, the Spaniards retreat.
The history of the settlement of Chile
The Spaniards massively populate the country, because in Chile they find rich deposits of silver and gold. But despite this, economic development is very slow. For many years, the primary role has been played by agriculture.
In the fertile valleys located in the central part of the country, rich harvests are harvested, thanks to which they supply the northern regions with the necessary food.
The British also played a certain role in the history of Chile. In 1578, at the direction of the Queen of England, the famous British corsair and navigator Francis Drake attacked the port of Valparaiso. Over the next few centuries, pirates regularly plunder Chile. In addition, the development of the country is constantly hindered by natural disasters - earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions.
Many cities are being destroyed almost to the ground. In 1647, an earthquake occurs in one of the largest cities in the country - Santiago de Chile. 12 thousand people die. In short, the history of Chile is constantly associated with cataclysmic natural disasters.
Independence
Many believethat the history of the country of Chile begins with its independence. It takes place in 1810 when the local Creoles rise up in revolt against the Spanish governor. The ruler is overthrown, and a Creole aristocrat is appointed in his place.
It happens on September 18th. Since then, Chileans celebrate the day of national independence on this day. Then a government junta came to power, which had its own army, but failed to lead the country for a long time; the Civil War began.
In 1811, a national congress was founded, but it mainly included pro-Spanish politicians, which, of course, did not please the local patriots. Then one of the heroes of the war for independence, Carrera, seized power. He established a virtual dictatorial regime, which ultimately led to another civil strife.
Still, important events took place in the history of Chile: in 1812, the Constitution was developed, which provided for the independence of the state under the formal leadership of the Spanish king.
Finally, Chile was able to proclaim its independence in 1818 after the famous Battle of Maipu, in which the Spaniards were defeated. It was an important and strategic combat success; although the confrontation continued for many more years, the Chileans were able to win the final victory only in 1826.
Modern history
In the 20th century, many people heard about Chile because of Salvador Allende, the socialist who won the 1970 presidential election. Allende, through money issues, raisedpensions and public sector salaries, but soon this led to hyperinflation: prices for goods and services rose sharply.
To cover the growing deficit, the Allende government made the fatal mistake of turning on the money printing press and controlling price increases. All this led to shortages, the development of a black market, as a result, many goods simply disappeared from store shelves. Serious economic difficulties began. In 1973, a military coup took place in the country, and the dictator Augusto Pinochet became the head of state. Allende committed suicide during the storming of the presidential palace.
Pinochet established a military dictatorship that lasted until 1990. These years have passed under the motto of "national revival", while the economy has seen some growth, education and he alth systems have been partly privatized.
All this was accompanied by the persecution of opposition supporters. During the reign of Pinochet, about three thousand people were killed or went missing in the dungeons of the secret police.
As a result, the situation in the country worsened, housing became prohibitively expensive, the workers finally became impoverished. It was not until 1990 that Pinochet was replaced as president by Patricio Aylvin. Sebastian Piñera is now in charge of the country.
