Chile Essay

The Republic of Chile is located in South America, and is well known for its ski resorts and popular wildlife. Chile was once a Spanish colony, but gained its independence in the nineteenth century. After the twentieth century, Chile’s economy has grown substantially because of their use of the Andes Mountains for tourist attractions. Chile has become modernized, urbanized, and has grown overall as a country.

In 1520, Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan came upon the land we now know as Chile. With most of South America already under Spanish control, it was not a difficult task for the Spaniards to accomplish. In 1599, Spain had officially established Chile as a colony. During the early 1600s, Chile was mostly populated by Spanish colonists and indigenous peoples. With colonists from both Spain and other European countries, especially Germany and Italy, Chile was suddenly more diverse than ever. Trade flourished, the economy began to grow, and everything seemed to be perfect for the settlers. (Rector 3-5).

Then, in 1647, a massive earthquake hit the Western coastline of South America, destroying the Chile's capital, Santiago. After the earthquake, Spain forced Chilean crops, such as corn and wheat, to be exported to the colony of Peru, which was hit harder by the earthquake. Because of the lack of food sources, colonists began terrorizing the natives, leading to an uprising in the colony. (Rector 11-16). Finally in 1810, Chile declared its independence from Spain; however the declaration was only recognized in 1844. Since its independence, Chile was mostly ruled by elected delegates and a Legislative Congress, except for the period of 1973 until 1990, when General Augusto Pinochet led a military dictatorship with an iron fist. ...

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...with Peru and Bolivia involving the Atacama corridor. (CountryWatch 1).

Chile's Military forces are well known within the country for being a strong, hardworking team of persevered heroes. They call for voluntary males and females between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. In the Military, service obligations include twelve months of service, however in the Chilean Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Cabineros Corps, one is required to serve for twenty-two months before retirement. The Chilean military has fought in the Pacific War, the War of Confederation, the Chincha Islands War, and has won all three of them, making Chile's military one of the very few to go on an international victory streak. (U.S. Department of State).

Because of its inspiring history, growing economy, mountainous geography, interesting people, powerful government, and strong military,