Las final exam
Pe0512
Chile.pptxChile
Country Features
Geography Matters
Rich in minerals and agriculture (wine and mines)
One of the longest democracies in the region
Strongest Economic Development in Latin America
Colonial Era
Geography Matters
Deserts to the North
Andes to the East
Pacific to the West
Cap Horn to the South
Forced to Integrate Societies
Reliant Upon Fruits and Grains
Early Independence in 1818 under Bernardo O’Higgins leadership. First President/Dictator
Early Struggles
Conservatives vs. Liberals
Conservative ruled from 1830s-1860s
Constitution allowed for strong central government
Landowners controlled the government
Liberal Party split which led to the rise of the Radical Party when Liberals softened its position toward the Catholic Church
The War of the Pacific (1879-1883)
Chile vs. Bolivia and Peru
Started when Bolivia and Chile fought over Chilean companies operating in the Antofagasta region.
Peru who had a defense treaty with Bolivia tried to mediate but was ultimately dragged into the conflict.
Chile ultimately won the war, cutting off access to sea for Bolivia and taking mineral rich lands from Peru and Bolivia
Post-War Period
Mining Industries served as major source of income to the country.
Major Limitations:
Requires significant investments
Heavily dependent on foreign investors (U.S. and U.K.)
Created new elite in the State
Required whole of state participation
Led to the emergence of a unionized working class
Did not need to import labor unlike Argentina
Modest employment to most Chileans
Early 20th Century
Increased middle class challenged elite’s rule on the state
Congress would grant social welfare benefits and concessions to unions and workers between 1916-1920.
Arturo Alessandri elected in 1920s by appealing to urban workers and the middle class
By 1921, Alessandri sided work elite and repressed labor movements—led to pressure from both sides.
Alessandri removed from power in 1924 by the military
Authoritarian Period
Military Junta subjected unions to close government supervision.
Increased mobilization created instability in the state.
Military coup in 1925 bringing back Alessandri who again repressed labor before resigning again.
Military Dictatorship increased with major investments made into mining sector.
Great Depression saw price of exports fall leading to the return of Alessandri who imposed spending controls.
Democracy Returns
1939 Elections brought together an alliance of Communists, Socialists, Radicals, and Chilean workers called the Popular Front
Communists were purged in 1948 with the radicals increasing their popular support.
Centrists began to move more towards the right.
Breakup of the Popular Front led to increased competitiveness for political power—ultimate strengthened democracy.
Democracy challenged
1960s saw four major parties arise:
The Right – Conservative and Liberal Parties
The Center-Right – Radicals
The Center – Christian Democrats
The Left – Socialist and Communist Parties
Right/Christian Democrats came together to elect Eduardo Frei over socialist Salvador Allende.
U.S. supported Frei as it was the poster child of the Alliance for Progress
Socialist Salvador Allende elected in 1970
September 11, 1973
Socialist elected created fear to U.S. President Richard Nixon
Domino Theory: Who is next to Fall?
Proposed removal but denied by Chilean Armed Forces
Chile nationalized industries included U.S. based companies
Allende proposed radical changes to Constitution but was rejected by Congress
Economy crashing leading military coup on September 11, 1973
Pinochet Period (1973-1990)
Augusto Pinochet chosen as junta leader
Human rights violations with over 2,000 killed during the coup
Major reforms including the “Chicago Boys” leading to the “Miracle of Chile”
U.S. began distancing itself from Pinochet leading to increased pressure on Chile.
Plebiscite in 1988 to remain in power failed.
Pinochet retired and then arrested in London before being released due to health.
The New Democracy
Country came together to create new constitution.
Needed to limit power by single entities
Required coalition groups in order to govern
Still did not entirely challenge military’s control of power
Pinochet indicted in 2000 and died in 2006.
History of Democracy since then.
