History Chile

History

 historyDates

In February 1541, the conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded the town of Santiago.
In 1598, the Mapuche Indians organised a general offensive and destroyed the majority of the Spanish colonies south of the River Bio-Bio.
In the 16th century, British and French pirates frequented the Chilean coasts. At this time, the country still belonged to the viceroyalty of Peru.
In 1817, after seven years of war against the Spanish led by Ambrosio O'Higgins, Chile gained its independence.
From 1879 to 1883, the Pacific war. Chile took over the Bolivian coast and the Peruvian provinces of Arica and Tarapaca.
In 1891, the civil war put an end to the dictatorial regime and began a long period of a parliamentary regime.
In 1925, a new revolution allowed victory by a military junta.
From 1938-1948, government by the left-wing coalition.
From 1964 to 1970, presidency of Eduardo Frei. Profound social and economic reforms
In 1973, the new Socialist President Salvador Allende is assassinated by a military junta led by Augusto Pinochet, who presents himself as the "supreme head of the nation".
In 1988, a referendum rejects the candidature of Pinochet as President.
In March 1994, Eduardo Frei becomes President of the country again.
In March 2000, Ricardo Lagos is elected President.
On 16 January 2006, the Socialist Michelle Bachelet becomes the first woman elected to the presidency of the country.
On 10th December 2006, the dictator Augusto Pinochet dies without having been brought to justice.