Defensive War facts for kids
The Defensive War (Spanish: Guerra defensiva) was a special plan during the Arauco War. This war was a long conflict between Spain and the independent Mapuche people in what is now Chile. The main idea of the Defensive War was to try and stop the fighting.
This plan was thought up by a Jesuit priest named Luis de Valdivia. He wanted to create a clear border between the Spanish and Mapuche lands. He also hoped to do more missionary work among the Mapuche people. Valdivia believed that the Mapuche would only choose to become Christians if there was peace.
How the Defensive War Started
The Defensive War became Spain's official policy in 1612. This happened after King Philip III read a letter from Luis de Valdivia. By this time, the war between Spain and the Mapuche had already been going on for 70 years.
King Philip III even got special permission from Pope Paul V. This permission meant that people who helped bring peace to Araucanía without violence would be rewarded. To help with his missionary work, Luis de Valdivia brought eight Jesuits and two helpers from Spain to Chile.
Challenges and End of the War
On December 14, 1612, a Mapuche leader named Anganamón killed three Jesuit missionaries. This happened after he found out the Spanish were protecting his two wives and two daughters. The Spanish did this because the Catholic Church did not allow men to have more than one wife.
Despite this event, the Defensive War remained Spain's official policy for some time. It continued until the year 1626.
Criticism of the Plan
The Defensive War was later criticized by some Spanish leaders. In a book called Guerra de Chile, published in 1647, Santiago de Tesillo wrote about it. He was a military leader and a governor in Concepción.
De Tesillo claimed that the Defensive War gave the Mapuche people a much-needed break. He believed this break allowed them to get stronger again. He thought they should not have been given this chance to rebuild their forces.
See also
In Spanish: Guerra defensiva para niños
