Chile History Timeline

1541

1520

1879-1883

1925

2008

1818

1904

2006

2010

1553

Chile History Timeline

Ferdinand Magellan discovers Chile, sighting it for the first time, on his trip sailing around the world.

Pedro De Valdivia founds Santiago, Chile's current capitol city, to expand Spanish rule.

Chile gains independence from Spain in the Chilean War of Independence.

Chile goes to war with Peru and Bolivia to expand it's territory in what was called the Pacific War. They win and gained a piece of each country, as seen in picture a above.

The Mapuche tribe keeps resisting the Spanish invaders to keep their land in the Arauco War.

In the "Meat Massacre", citizens revolt against the government in Santiago due to an increase in the cost of living, including the price of meat. In response, the army is sent in and ends up massacring hundreds of people. Some say this marks the beginning of Chile's modern history.

A new constitution is put in place granting workers the right to organize, and establishes the separation of church and state.

Michelle Bachelet becomes the first female president, showing promise for equal opportunity.

An earthquake that registered an 8.8 on the Richter Scale takes place. 80% of population feels it and it leaves an estimated 20,000 people dead. It also triggers a tsunami, devistating several coastal towns. (See video coverage above.)

The Chaiten Volcano erupts for the first time in nearly 9,500 years, devistating Chaitén Town.

By: Julia Lochner

Go To:http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/chile-earthquake-9969105

a

Earthquake Video Coverage

Chile, South America