Reconquest (Chile) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Captaincy General of Chile
Capitanía General de Chile Reconquest
Reconquista |
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| 1814–1817 | |||||||||
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| Capital | Santiago de Chile | ||||||||
| Common languages | Spanish Indigenous languages (Quechuan languages, Aymara, Mapudungun, Kawésqar, Yaghan) |
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| Government | Monarchy | ||||||||
| King | |||||||||
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• 1814-1817
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Ferdinand VII | ||||||||
| Royal Governor | |||||||||
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• 1814-1815
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Mariano Osorio | ||||||||
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• 1815-1817
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Francisco Marcó del Pont | ||||||||
| History | |||||||||
| October 2 1814 | |||||||||
| February 12 1817 | |||||||||
| ISO 3166 code | CL | ||||||||
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The Spanish Reconquest (or just Reconquest, called Reconquista in Spanish) was an important time in Chilean history. It began in 1814 after a big battle and ended in 1817. During these years, the Spanish Empire took back control of Chile.
This period was a struggle between two main groups. One group was the Royalists, who supported the King of Spain and wanted Chile to remain a Spanish colony. The other group was the Patriots, who wanted Chile to become an independent country. While the Royalists ruled, the Patriots worked hard to spread their ideas of freedom. A famous Patriot leader, Manuel Rodríguez Erdoiza, led a secret fight against the Spanish. Some historians also call this time the Absolutist Restoration. This name means that the Spanish King's full power was brought back to Chile.
Contents
What Was the Reconquest?
The Reconquest was a three-year period when Spain regained power in Chile. It followed an earlier time when Chile had started to gain some independence. The Spanish King, Ferdinand VII, wanted to restore his rule over all his colonies.
This period was marked by strong control from the Spanish government. They tried to undo all the changes the Patriots had made. Many people who supported independence were punished or sent away from Chile.
How Did It Start?
The Reconquest began on October 2, 1814, with a major battle. This was the Battle of Rancagua. In this battle, the Royalist forces won a big victory over the Patriot army.
After this defeat, many Patriot leaders and soldiers had to leave Chile. They went to Argentina to regroup and plan their next moves. The Royalists then took full control of Chile.
Who Ruled During This Time?
During the Reconquest, Chile was governed by Spanish officials. The King of Spain appointed a Royal Governor to rule the region.
- The first Royal Governor was Mariano Osorio. He was in charge from 1814 to 1815.
- The second governor was Francisco Marcó del Pont. He ruled from 1815 until the end of the Reconquest in 1817.
These governors worked to make sure Spain's power was strong. They tried to stop any new ideas about independence from spreading.
The Patriot Resistance
Even though the Royalists were in charge, the Patriots did not give up. Many of them continued to fight for freedom.
Manuel Rodríguez and the Guerrilla
One of the most famous figures of the Patriot resistance was Manuel Rodríguez Erdoiza. He was a lawyer and a military leader. Rodríguez did not lead a large army. Instead, he organized small groups of fighters called a guerrilla.
These guerrilla fighters would carry out surprise attacks on Spanish forces. They would also gather information and spread messages of independence. Rodríguez became a hero to many Chileans. He helped keep the hope for freedom alive during the Reconquest.
How Did It End?
The Reconquest came to an end on February 12, 1817. This was the date of the Battle of Chacabuco. In this battle, the Patriot army, known as the Army of the Andes, won a decisive victory.
The Army of the Andes was led by General José de San Martín. They had crossed the Andes mountains from Argentina to surprise the Spanish forces in Chile. This victory marked the beginning of a new period for Chile, known as the Patria Nueva (New Homeland), where independence was finally secured.
See also
In Spanish: Reconquista (Chile) para niños
