Chilean Independence Day commemorates the declaration of statehood within the Spanish monarchy by a criollo junta on September 18, 1810.
The catalyst was Napoleon making his own brother the King of Spain.
Criollo Royalists
Spaniards in the Americas remained loyal to Spain, but not the French King.
Criollos, Americans born into families from Spain, established self-government.
Chilean War of Independence
Royalist and Independence forces battled back and forth for many years. The independent republic was proclaimed on February 12, 1818.
Today Chile is one of the most stable countries in Latin America.