19th century Chile

In the 19th century, Chile underwent significant political, social, and economic changes. After gaining independence from Spain in 1818, the country established a republic. The economy grew due to agriculture, mining (especially copper and nitrate), and trade. Political stability and democratic institutions evolved slowly, marked by power struggles between liberal and conservative factions. Chile also expanded its territory through conflicts like the War of the Pacific (1879-1884) against Peru and Bolivia, resulting in significant territorial gains. This period laid the groundwork for modern Chilean society and its role in the broader Latin American context.