CHILE

1536-1541
The Spanish conquer Chile and establish Santiago.

16^th Century-18^th Century
The colonial period. Colonization and the establishment of the estates. There are few metals found in the region so attention is focused on agriculture. The area remains poor few slaves are brought in. Since the Indians do not provide reliable labor, the settlers work their own fields. The Catholic Church provides education until a University is set up in 1758. The mestizos increase rapidly in number. Chile remains isolated and subject to the governing rules of the surrounding areas.

1800-1813
The move towards independence in other Latin American countries affects Chile and causes them to make their own move towards independence.

1813-1818
Patriot leader Bernardo O'Higgins works with revolutionary groups in Argentina to try and liberate Chile. Independence is gained in 1818.

1823-1830
Political mayhem ensues. 30 successive political parties take office during this period. Authoritarian rule prevails.

1833
A constitution is established that promotes a strong centralized government, influenced by the landowning class.

1830s-1860s
Chile experiences economic growth through foreign trade. This leads to modernization efforts. Railroads are constructed and the University of Chile is founded. Political diversification occurs throughout this period, giving rise to the liberalists.

1860s-1870s
Economic relations grow between Chile and Europe. Other European influences begin to be felt (literature, art, etc.)

1879-1884
The War of the Pacific takes place, weakening an already troubled economic system.

1891-1920
Chile shifts to a parliamentary republic. A class system emerges. Political parties are more rigorously organized. The Radical Party (1888) and the Democratic Party (1887) solidify, as two separate factions of the Socialist Party form (1897, 1912). The ruling class declines in number because of increasing social and economic unrest.

1920s-1930s
The military enacts a takeover. A new political structure emerges. Under the dictatorship, many reforms are implemented but the oligarchy remains the principal political force. The ensuing Depression and economic problems are especially hard on the lower and middle classes.

1938-1946
A series of Radical presidencies result from a new interest in politics by the middle class.
*House of the Spirit

1946-1952
Gabriel Gonzalez Videla begins his rule as a member of the Radical Party with the support of the Communist Party. The economy experiences so many problems that Videla is forced to align with the political right. While industrialization is a product of the Radical presidencies, there remains a distinct separation between the classes.

1952-1958
Populist rule comes in the form of Carlos Ibanez del Campo.

1960s
The Christian Democrat Party and the Communist Party share the common goal of developing agrarian reform.

1964-1973
Christian Democrat Frei Montalva attempts economic reform. An agrarian reform law is enacted with the support of the Socialist and Communist Parties. The Popular Unity Party develops as members of the lower classes seek involvement in the government. Salvador Allende Gossens rises to power.
*White Lilly, Campamento

1973-1980
A military coup takes over. General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte becomes president. The regime is initially supported but soon it becomes clear that Pinochet has his own agenda. Traditional parties are dissolved in 1977 and a private enterprise economy is put into effect. The National Unity Movement is formed in 1975 and a new constitution is adopted. This constitution makes provisions for a return to a civilian government over a period of eight years.
*The Battle of Chile, Missing

Protest against the Pinochet Regime

1980s
Pinochet remains in power. The poverty level doubles over the course of Pinochet's regime, rising to 44%.

1990
Patricio Aylwin, member of the Concertacion of Parties for Democracy, is elected president ending Pinochet's regime. Pinochet remains the head of the military. A shift towards democracy is made.
*Song to Life, Johnny 100 Pesos

Present
In 1993, Eduardo Frei is elected president. Frei continues to work on economic reforms in order to improve social conditions. The poverty levels have dropped dramatically from 44% in 1989 to 23% in 1994.

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