Chile 1871 CE

What is happening in Chile in 1871CE

The constitution of 1833 has provided a stable political framework which has allowed Chile to make steady economic progress. Her exports are based largely on meat and cereal production, and the country has attracted considerable foreign (mostly British) investment. A nitrate mining boom in the far north of the country, on the borders with Peru and Bolivia, has brought increased prosperity since the 1860’s.

Immigration from Europe (mainly from Spain, France and Italy) has doubled the population since the 1840’s. A railroad network is being constructed, a new port at Valparaiso has been built, and new roads have been laid out. Political power has resided mainly with the landowning class, through its control of parliament. Economic development has brought a new middle class into being, however, and this has political aspirations, finding expression in an upsurge of liberalism. This movement is increasingly supported by elements within the ruling class.

As for the Araucanian-controlled south, it has only been from the 1860’s that the Chilean government has set about a final occupation of the territory. It is aided in this by telegraphy and railroads, which are now throwing out tentacles stretching down into the far south. Nevertheless, even by this date the pacification is far from complete. In many areas, army outposts are surrounded by large tracts of land beyond the reach of the government.

Next map, Chile in 1914