When did Chile start fighting for independence?

A declaration of independence was officially issued by Chile on February 12, 1818 and formally recognized by Spain in 1844, when full diplomatic relations were established. The Chilean War of Independence was part of the more aroused Spanish American wars of independence. read more

O’Higgins was proclaimed supreme director of Chile, although the act of declaring Chile’s independence was not taken until a year later (February 12, 1818), on the first anniversary of Chacabuco, and the decisive defeat of Spain on the Chilean mainland (Spain held the island of Chiloé until 1826) did not come until the Battle of Maipú, on April 5, 1818. read more

Chile's path to Independence would be a bloody one, as patriots and royalists would fight up and down the nation for the next decade. Nevertheless, independence was inevitable for the former Spanish colonies and the September 18 meeting was an important first step. Today, September 18 is celebrated in Chile as their Independence Day. read more