Chile: History

Chile proclaims full autonomy after Napoleon overthrows the king of Spain. This sparks the Chilean War of Independence which concluded in 1818 with Chile becoming an independent nation.

Chile gains mineral rich pacific coastline territory after it defeats Peru and Bolivia in the War of the Pacific. Taxes on the newly acquired land become a significant revenue source for the government. 

Large-scale mining of nitrate and copper begins, boosting the economy.

Chile and China sign a free-trade agreement, Beijing's first in South America.

Hundreds die and widespread damage is caused as massive earthquake strikes central Chile. The 8.8 magnitude quake is the biggest to hit the country in 50 years.

Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru agree to scrap most of the tariffs on trade between their countries, hailing the move as an historic step towards regional integration.

A referendum backs rewriting the constitution, which was adopted during the rule of August Pinochet.