Chilean Independence: From Colony to Nation (1810-1823)

Posted on Oct 18, 2024 in History

Chilean Independence (1810-1823)

Old Homeland (1810-1814)

This period began with the establishment of the First National Government Junta and culminated in the Battle of Rancagua (October 12, 1814), where Royalist troops defeated the Patriot Army. Demonstrations took place, setting the stage for independence from Spain, driven by Creole leaders. However, not all shared the aspiration for independence, with some preferring greater flexibility within the colonial system.

Key Events (1810-1814):

  1. First National Government Junta (1810): Allowed free trade with nations allied to Spain, formed new military corps, abolished the Royal Audience, and convened a National Congress.
  2. National Congress (1811): Declared freedom of the womb (children born to slaves would be free).
  3. José Miguel Carrera’s Government (1811-1813): Published the Aurora de Chile newspaper, established relations with the USA, and created the first patriotic symbols and regulations (1812).
  4. Governing Junta (1813): Established the National Library and instituted freedom of the press (Monitor Araucano).

Reconquista (1814-1817)

Starting with the Battle of Rancagua and ending with the Battle of Chacabuco (February 12, 1817), this period saw the return of Spanish control. The Battle of Chacabuco allowed the Army of the Andes, led by Bernardo O’Higgins and José de San Martín, to reclaim Santiago. With the restoration of Ferdinand VII to the Spanish throne, reforms were reversed, and a harsh crackdown on anti-Spanish sentiment was implemented under the governments of Mariano Osorio and Casimiro Marcó del Pont. Vindication courts were established to try Creole independentistas, the Talaveras Battalion was created, estates were expropriated, contributions were collected, exiles were sent to Juan Fernández Island, slavery was reestablished, free trade was restricted, and public festivals were prohibited.

New Nation (1817-1823)

This era began with the Battle of Chacabuco and O’Higgins’s subsequent waiver, restoring Creole political leadership. Leaders of the Army of the Andes believed in independence.

Causes of Independence

The landed aristocracy held significant power due to their landholdings and agricultural production. The 18th century’s economic shift towards industrialization highlighted Spain’s lagging economy. While the Bourbon Reforms initially benefited Chile by increasing commercial potential and autonomy from Peru, they also fueled emancipatory ideas. The opening of the silver trade significantly boosted Chile’s commerce. The political crisis in Spain, with the King’s imprisonment in 1808, further contributed to the independence movement.

Economic Interests:

  1. Commercial growth and price inflation negatively impacted local traders.
  2. Local production suffered due to imported goods and the outflow of precious metals.
  3. Increased tax collection added to economic hardship.

Tests and Experimentation

Creole society, influenced by Enlightenment ideas, debated the future governance of the country. This period was marked by political inexperience, leading to short-lived governments and the use of military force to gain power.

Barriers to State Organization:

  1. Lack of Political Experience: Creoles had limited experience in governing, leading to instability and the use of force.
  2. Economic Factors: The economic difficulties caused by the independence wars contributed to discontent and instability.
  3. Border Disputes: Unclear territorial boundaries and debts from liberating expeditions led to conflict.

Political Factions:

  • Pipiolos: Liberals advocating for the elimination of aristocratic privileges, control of monopolies, secularism, free thought, and popular elections.
  • Federalists: Allies of the Pipiolos, favoring a US-style regional government system.
  • Pelucones: Conservatives supporting hierarchical stability, landowners’ privileges, and the Church’s influence.
  • Estanqueros: Merchants led by Diego Portales, advocating for a strong executive government.

Constitutions:

  • Moral Constitution (1823): Under Ramón Freire’s government, authored by Juan Egaña.
  • Federal Constitution (1826): Promoted by Manuel Blanco Encalada and José Miguel Infante.
  • Liberal Constitution (1828): Authored by José Joaquín de Mora.

Authority, Order, and Discipline (Post-Independence)

After the Battle of Lircay (1829), which ended the War of Succession, Diego Portales’s influence led to an authoritarian regime aimed at establishing order. The end of the trade monopoly allowed for free trade, but the economy remained largely agricultural. The social hierarchy persisted, with voting rights tied to property ownership.