v31_1923 - CHILE - REPUBLIC Essai de 8 escudos en bronze n.d. Santiago

CHILE - REPUBLIC

(since 1818)

Independent since 1818, Chile is placed under the authority of Bernardo O'Higgins. The latter began reforms that provoked discontent among the aristocracy and forced him to abdicate in 1823.. For ten years, Chile was subjected to a series of reforms that tried to give the country an organization. After a series of victories for the conservatives, a period of stability begins with the revolution of 1829. It is called Conservative Republic. Thanks to the Constitution of 1833, the minister Diego Portales becomes the main protagonist of the organization of the country until 1861. After thirty years of Conservative government, the Liberal Party takes power. At that time, economic growth increased considerably thanks to the exploitation of saltpeter in the region of Antofagasta. This wealth provokes the anger and jealousy of Bolivia which claims the possession of this territory. Despite the signing of several treaties in 1866 and 1871, the countries did not manage to agree and on February 14, 1879 Chile declared war on Bolivia, which had previously signed a secret pact with Peru in the event of a conflict with Chili. This is the start of the Pacific War. It ends with the battle of Huamachuco on July 10, 1883 and the victory of Chile.