Guerrilla warfare swept through Chile as independence fighters clashed with troops sent by Spanish loyalists. From 1814 to 1817, the Spanish government focused on ridding Chile of anyone looking to gain independence. Much of their efforts included limitations for native Chileans and discriminated against them. Although they had sought to quell the rise of independence, these actions by the Spanish had the opposite effect. The discriminating acts gave those fighting for independence a stronger base and brought more people to their side. Although there were two distinct sides in the conflict, they were not easy to distinguish. Both sides were composed primarily of Chileans including the forces run by Peru. This civil war continued for years,
…show more content…
This was largely in part because he kept the country from fighting for a very long time. Although there were Spanish in the southern part of the country, Chile prevented a drawn-out conflict. With the use of the first national squadron, Chile was able to secure the south and flush out any remaining Spanish by 1820. Even though Chile had to use resources to secure the south, they remedied any greater conflict the loyalists may have caused the country later. One major problem that remained was the lack of a stable government. Despite O’Higgins focus on upholding independence and bettering the nation, there was indecisiveness dealing with the government. Much like other newly formed Latin American nations, a dictator was in charge. Chile also went through multiple constitutions in the first two decades of its birth. The conservative party held power twenty years after independence, and by 1833, they installed the constitution that would not be replaced for almost a century. The state that was created was very much a conservative one. In addition, the conservative party did not have very much opposition as many elections ended with the other party abstaining. Although this was not the most competitive system, the government had steady control and helped to advance the country further. …show more content…
With more liberal political leaders in charge, more liberal reforms were passed. These included railroads among other things. Major railroads were built from the mines to areas where the ore could be transported to other regions. This allowed a much higher production from the mines, causing an increase in wealth. Silver production doubled in the 1850s and copper saw even greater increases in revenue for the country. While production of minerals in Chile rose, agricultural yields saw massive increases as well. Between 1871 and 1876 Chile produced fifteen times what it had in the 1840s. So much advancement so quickly gave Chileans something to be proud of. Although the country was becoming more rich and prosperous, they typically had a hands-off mentality when it came to foreign affairs. Although the country might have reasons to get involved elsewhere, they kept mostly to themselves. This allowed them to focus on their own domestic state of affairs, even if that meant focusing on profits. While Chile may not have been as focused on bettering the lives of the working class, the country amassed a large sum of wealth. In just a few short years, this wealth and the industries already in place, would prove to be major factors in Chiles accomplishments in the War of the
This was largely in part because he kept the country from fighting for a very long time. Although there were Spanish in the southern part of the country, Chile prevented a drawn-out conflict. With the use of the first national squadron, Chile was able to secure the south and flush out any remaining Spanish by 1820. Even though Chile had to use resources to secure the south, they remedied any greater conflict the loyalists may have caused the country later. One major problem that remained was the lack of a stable government. Despite O’Higgins focus on upholding independence and bettering the nation, there was indecisiveness dealing with the government. Much like other newly formed Latin American nations, a dictator was in charge. Chile also went through multiple constitutions in the first two decades of its birth. The conservative party held power twenty years after independence, and by 1833, they installed the constitution that would not be replaced for almost a century. The state that was created was very much a conservative one. In addition, the conservative party did not have very much opposition as many elections ended with the other party abstaining. Although this was not the most competitive system, the government had steady control and helped to advance the country further. …show more content…
With more liberal political leaders in charge, more liberal reforms were passed. These included railroads among other things. Major railroads were built from the mines to areas where the ore could be transported to other regions. This allowed a much higher production from the mines, causing an increase in wealth. Silver production doubled in the 1850s and copper saw even greater increases in revenue for the country. While production of minerals in Chile rose, agricultural yields saw massive increases as well. Between 1871 and 1876 Chile produced fifteen times what it had in the 1840s. So much advancement so quickly gave Chileans something to be proud of. Although the country was becoming more rich and prosperous, they typically had a hands-off mentality when it came to foreign affairs. Although the country might have reasons to get involved elsewhere, they kept mostly to themselves. This allowed them to focus on their own domestic state of affairs, even if that meant focusing on profits. While Chile may not have been as focused on bettering the lives of the working class, the country amassed a large sum of wealth. In just a few short years, this wealth and the industries already in place, would prove to be major factors in Chiles accomplishments in the War of the