Patria Nueva

Quick Facts: Who was Patria Nueva?

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Patria Nueva

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The pivotal period in Chilean history (1817–1823) leading to full independence.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

New Fatherland (Spanish: Patria Nueva) was a period in the history of Chile that began with the victory of Ejército de los Andes in the Battle of Chacabuco on 12 February 1817 and ended with the resignation of Bernardo O'Higgins as Supreme Director in 1823. Not long after becoming the Supreme Director of Chile, O'Higgins sent the Aguila, a ship captured in the port of Valparaíso, to rescue Chilean patriots stranded on the Juan Fernández Islands. O'Higgins formed an army to face the Spanish Empire forces hidden in the port of Talcahuano and the montoneras (traitor patriots, natives and bandits), who were on the shore of the Bio-Bio River. He created the Vindication Tribunal, a legal apparatus that granted patriots the right to reclaim goods taken by the Spanish during the Reconquest. He also ordered the exile of priests advocating for continued fealty to the Spanish throne.

Career & Major Achievements

The independent people waited in Talca for the royalists, but the royalists took another path. San Martin and O'Higgins were caught by surprise. In Santiago fear had spread with the defeat of the Ejército de los Andes and the Chilean army. Many people in Santiago were already going into self-imposed exile again in Mendoza. Rumors of the deaths of O'Higgins and San Martin spread rapidly.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In these circumstances, in the cabildo of 23 March, Manuel Rodríguez yelled "We still have our homeland, citizens!" and proclaimed himself the supreme director. He created a squadron called Húsares de la Muerte. It attracted many "carreristas", swearing to die before seeing the homeland in the hands of Spain again. Knowing this, O'Higgins went back to Santiago against medical advice and accompanied by San Martin. Both were welcomed with cannon shots on the sunrise of 24 March.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1817: 1817 Milestone — New Fatherland (Spanish: Patria Nueva) was a period in the history of Chile that began with the victory of Ejército de los Andes in the Battle of Chacabuco on 12 February 1817 and ended with the resignation of Bernardo O'Higgins as Supreme Director in 1823.

Notable Quotes by Patria Nueva

“I am sorry not to deposit this insignia before the national assembly... But I have at least the consolation of leaving Chile independent of all foreign domination, respected abroad, covered with glory for its feats of arms.”

“Take from me the vengeance you want, and I will not resist you! Here is my chest!”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Patria Nueva

True or False: “The final Spanish territory in Chile, Chiloé, was annexed to the Republic of Chile immediately after O'Higgins resigned in 1823.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Chiloé was not fully annexed until January 1826, following the signing of the Treaty of Tantauco.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abraham Gottlob Werner — Historical peer (Died in 1817) (1817): Pioneering German geologist, known for establishing early theories of Earth's crust.
• Adolphe, Grand Duke of Luxembourg — Historical peer (Born in 1817) (1817): Grand Duke of Luxembourg, ruling from 1890 until his death in 1905.
• Abdülmecid I — Historical peer (Born in 1823) (1823): 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, known for initiating the Tanzimat era of reform.
• Alexander Ostrovsky — Historical peer (Born in 1823) (1823): Master of Russian Realism, Ostrovsky built the national dramatic repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions about Patria Nueva