Thursday, September 18, 2014

Chile celebrates 204 years of independence from Spain

CHILE CELEBRATES 204 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE FROM SPAIN

On September 18th,  1810 Chile got its independence from Spain.  On that date, citizens from Santiago gathered on an open town hall to choose a Junta or a committee to lead the process. Their aim was to establish a Congress, raise an army, declare free trade and establish relationship with the new born Junta ruling Argentina since May. So, this is the first self-government initiated by Chileans.

(The coat of arms motto: By reason or by force)

The citizens of then were divided among those who wanted to keep being a loyal colony of Spain and those wanting a total independence.  However the forces to get freedom gained dominance until 1814. Then Spanish Army regained control for a short term, and finally they were totally defeated in 1818 and sent away from Chile.

A key role was played by Bernardo O'Higgins as leader of the "Logia Lautarina", The Lautarina Lodge, a type of free mason secret society to fight for the independence of South American countries from Spain. It was founded by the Venezuelan extraordinary character Francisco de Miranda in London, where O'Higgins was studying as well as other children of main figures from Spanish rulers. The main families of Spanish origin sent their children to study in Europe, so they got a more liberal education and open to the new political influences of the French Revolution and the USA independence. In such environment it is amazing the vision of Miranda to gather these young men on their early 20 years old, around 1798-1800. They put into practice the ideas of his mentor since 1810 in all the Spanish countries under the ruling of the Spanish. Men as Simon Bolivar, Andres Bello, Jose de San Martin, Bernardo O'Higgins and many others.

The independence brought new ideas, more culture, more exchange and freedom to travel and to trade. Chile also gave freedom to slaves and their children. This simple writing is my tribute to these great patriots that lighted the freedom torch trough South America.

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