Misplaced Pages

#330669

72-581: The Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral (GAM) (formerly known as the Diego Portales Building ) is a cultural center located on 227 Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, in Santiago de Chile . The complex was originally built to serve as the headquarters for the third UNCTAD conference, which was held in Santiago in 1972, and consisted of a convention center and an adjoining 22-stories building. The building

144-570: A Chilean building or structure is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Diego Portales While deeply unpopular during his lifetime, his murder in 1837, during a mutiny, has been judged a decisive factor during the War of the Confederation . Chilean public opinion shifted to support the war against the Peru–Bolivian Confederation . Many Chileans and historians view him as

216-523: A Court Martial Law was approved and given jurisdiction over all citizens for the duration of the war. The opposition to the Prieto Vial administration immediately accused Portales of tyranny, and started a heated press campaign against him personally and the unpopular war in general. Political and public opposition to war immediately affected the army, fresh from the purges of the civil war of 1830. On June 3, 1837, Colonel José Antonio Vidaurre , commander of

288-403: A colorful port city. In becoming a World Heritage Center, Valparaíso is tasked with maintaining its cultural heritage, through the maintenance of its historic infrastructure, like its Ascensores . On 13 April 2014, a huge brush fire burned out of control, destroying 2,800 homes and killing 16 people, forcing President Michelle Bachelet to declare it a disaster zone. In early February 2024,

360-467: A few houses and a church. On some occasions she was attacked by English pirates and privateers, such as Francis Drake with his ship Golden Hind in 1578 and later his cousin Richard Hawkins with his ship Dainty in 1594. Drake's sack of Valparaíso gave origin to the legend about Cueva del Pirata . In 1810, a wealthy merchant built the first pier in the history of Chile and the first during

432-430: A huge brush fire burned through Valparaiso and central Chile, killing at least 131 people. Valparaíso is located in central Chile, 120 km (75 mi) to the north west of the capital Santiago . Valparaíso, like most of Chile, is vulnerable to earthquakes. Before the earthquake of February 27, 2010 , which measured 8.8 on the moment magnitude scale , the last catastrophic earthquake to strike Valparaíso devastated

504-512: A lesser degree the governments of the Liberal Republic (1861–1891). ...we are inspired in the Portalian spirit that has fused together the nation... The figure and legacy of Portales has been praised by some historians like Ramón Sotomayor Valdés  [ es ] and Alberto Edwards . Other historians, including Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna , Sergio Villalobos and Gabriel Salazar , have

576-525: A major educational and entertainment hub, with four large traditional universities , and several large vocational colleges . While the city is well-known for its artisans and bohemian culture , it is also famous as the home of several highly-regarded music festivals and other artistic events. The largest, and arguably most iconic, is the annual Viña Del Mar International Song Festival (often simply called "Viña" or "Viña Del Mar"). Typically held in March, in

648-588: A meteor trail was visible from Quillota to Valparaíso, seen as a religious experience for much of the population. In 1826, the Royal Navy Great Britain established a South America Station in Valparaíso to maintain British naval interest in the region. It would remain until 1837, when it was relocated to Esquimalt, British Columbia . 12 September 1827 saw the establishment of El Mercurio de Valparaíso ,

720-568: A negative view of Portales. Portales' remains, missing since his assassination, were found in March 2005 in Santiago's Metropolitan Cathedral during renovation projects, and were identified after forensic examination. On June 20, 2006, the remains were taken to the civic crypt of the Cathedral for a civic-religious re-burial ceremony attended by then-President Michelle Bachelet , along with several civil and military authorities. Valparaiso Valparaíso ( Spanish: [balpaɾaˈiso] )

792-490: A number of conventions and the adjacent tower became the main building for the Ministry of National Defense . In early 2006, a fire destroyed parts of the building, which led the government of Michelle Bachelet to rethink the original sense of the building and return it into a cultural center, open to the public. Adapting the structure of its urban environment, the building takes on the concept of transparency and many artworks from

SECTION 10

#1733085995331

864-406: A recently-refurbished, 40,000-capacity amphitheater , "Viña" is one of the biggest annual economic boosts to the region, as the event usually sells-out completely, and thousands of attendees and workers will travel to and stay in the city and metro area. In addition to showcasing numerous performers of many styles, and awarding various prizes, the internationally-televised and live-streamed festival

936-446: A serious blow to the region's shipping- and port-based economy. By the 21st century, the port of San Antonio had surpassed Valparaíso in trade volume ( TEU ) handled, leading to the questioning of its traditional moniker of Puerto Principal ("principal port") of Chile. Between the years of 2000 to 2015, the city experienced a recovery, attracting artists, tourists, and cultural entrepreneurs, who settled after they were attracted by

1008-517: A space to continuous development and experimentation. Furthermore, with an emphasis on contemporary photography and popular arts, the GAM houses a range for visual arts. Due to its high demands for transparency, variety and quality, it is orientated to generate direct encounters between artists and diverse audiences. 33°26′20.70″S 70°38′23.02″W  /  33.4390833°S 70.6397278°W  / -33.4390833; -70.6397278 This article about

1080-525: A state or country, citizens must be virtuous and patriotic and must consider the law as higher than any leader. Beyond these beliefs, Portales had no static political beliefs. Instead he tried to govern on a case-by-case basis, legislating what he deemed right for each particular instance. In order to bolster its standing, the Chilean government immediately imposed martial law and asked for (and obtained) extraordinary legislative powers from Congress. Early in 1837

1152-788: A superintendent of the royal mint. He did his primary studies at the Colegio de Santiago, and in 1813, attended law classes at the National Institute. As the men of his family had all become successful merchants, Portales also eventually assumed the position of a merchant, taking part in his prosperous and distinguished family's occupation. On August 15, 1819 he married his cousin, Josefa Portales y Larraín. He had two daughters with her, both of whom died within days of their birth. His wife also died soon after in 1821. He never remarried, but took Constanza Nordenflicht as his mistress, with whom he had three children. In July 1821, he resigned from his job at

1224-554: A survivor of this attack, would retire to Portersville, Indiana , and request changing the name to Valparaiso , commemorating the only naval battle he ever lost. By 2 August 1820, the Liberating Expedition of Peru sailed from Valparaíso. At 10:30 pm on the evening of 19 November 1822, Valparaíso experienced a violent earthquake that left the city in ruins; of the 16,000 residents, casualties included at least 66 adults and 12 children, as well as 110 people wounded. The next day,

1296-467: A tense situation that led to serious violence on 12 May. There were protests and the burning of the CSAV offices and several people were shot and killed. All this prompted intervention by the state. This protest was important for the future of Trade Unionism in the country. That same year, electric trams were introduced. The 1906 Valparaíso earthquake caused severe damage throughout the city on 16 August, which

1368-485: A total of 287, anchored in its port. The British settled on Cerro Alegre (Mount Pleasant) and Cerro Concepción. The Association of Voluntary Firemen was created in 1851, a telegraph service to Santiago was operating by 1852, and Chile's first telephone service was set up in 1880. The British Hospital was founded in 1897, and the British Arch, Arco Británico , was erected in 1911. However, by 1895, Italian immigrants exceeded

1440-501: A violent earthquake. Valparaíso has a very mild Mediterranean climate ( Köppen Csb ). The summer is essentially dry, but the city is affected by fogs from the Humboldt Current during most of the year. In the winter, rainfall can occasionally be extremely heavy when a powerful frontal system crosses central Chile, but frequency of such rains varies greatly from year to year. Monthly average temperatures vary just around 6°C between

1512-622: Is a major city, commune , seaport and naval base facility in Valparaíso Region , Chile . Greater Valparaíso is the second-largest populace in the country, as well as the second-largest city in the Greater Valparaíso metro area (behind Viña del Mar ). Valparaíso was named originally for Valparaíso de Arriba , in Castile-La Mancha , Spain . It is located about 120 km (75 mi) northwest of Santiago , by road, and

SECTION 20

#1733085995331

1584-601: Is one of the Pacific Ocean 's most important seaports. Valparaíso is the capital of Chile's second most-populated administrative region and has been the Chilean Navy headquarters since 1817, as well as being the seat of the Chilean National Congress (since 1990). Valparaíso played an important geopolitical role in the second half of the 19th century when it served as a major stopover for ships traveling between

1656-527: Is typically headlined by superstar musicians, from both the Spanish- and English -speaking worlds. Some older works starting with Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna (1869) claim that Valparaíso was within the range of the Chango people , but clear evidence for this is lacking. The Bay of Valparaíso's first ethnically identifiable population were Picunche natives, known for their agriculture. Spanish explorers, considered

1728-646: The Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Straits of Magellan . The area experienced rapid growth during its golden age as a magnet for European immigrants, when the city was known by international sailors as "Little San Francisco " and "jewel of the Pacific ". Notable acquisitions from this golden age include Latin America 's oldest stock exchange , the continent's first volunteer fire department , Chile's first public library , and

1800-543: The Chilean Constitution of 1833 , which is considered the most important milestone of Chilean institutionality during the 19th century. His ideals and principles served as a foundation towards the Chilean governments of the future. His work was especially influential during the years of political learning of the post-independence turmoil and during the governments of the Conservative Republic (1830–1861) and to

1872-529: The Dissidents' Cemetery . Football (soccer) was introduced to Chile by English immigrants ; and the first private Catholic school in Chile, Le Collège des Sacrés Cœurs ("Sacred Hearts College") and its accompanying Sacred Hearts Church , by French immigrants . Immigrants from Scotland and Germany founded the first private secular schools ( The Mackay School and Die Deutsche Schule , respectively). Immigrants formed

1944-674: The Greater Valparaíso metropolitan area, including the neighbouring cities of Viña del Mar , Concón , Quilpué and Villa Alemana , is the second largest in the country (951,311 inhabitants). According to the 2017 census of the National Statistics Institute , the commune of Valparaíso spans an area of 401.6 km (155 sq mi) and has 296,655 inhabitants (144,945 men and 151,710 women). Of these, 295,918 (99.8%) lived in urban areas and 737 (0.2%) in rural areas . The population grew by 7.49% (20,673 persons) between

2016-641: The Maipo regiment, captured and imprisoned Portales while he was reviewing troops at the army barracks in Quillota . Vidaurre immediately proceeded to attack Valparaíso on the mistaken belief that public opinion opposed to the war would support him and topple the government. Rear Admiral Manuel Blanco Encalada , in charge of the defense, defeated him right outside the port at the Battle of Barón . Captain Santiago Florín , who

2088-546: The Peru-Bolivian Confederation , considered a turning point of Chilean public opinion and the purpose of the war. By 1851, the first fire brigade in the country was formed. The next year potable running water became available, as well as the first telegraph service in Latin America, between the city and Santiago . It would be another four years before streetlights, with 700 gas lanterns, were installed. In 1861

2160-505: The Senate , the commune is represented by Francisco Chahuán ( RN ), Kenneth Pugh ( RN ), Isabel Allende (PS), Juan Latorre (FA), and Ricardo Lagos Weber ( PPD ) for the 2018–2026 term, as part of the 6th senatorial constituency (Valparaíso Region). The Chilean Congress meets in a modern building in the Almendral section of Valparaíso, after relocation from Santiago during the last years of

2232-572: The Straits of Magellan and Cape Horn . It gained particular importance supporting and supplying the California Gold Rush (1848–1858). As a major seaport, Valparaíso received immigrants from many European countries, mainly from Britain , Germany , France , Switzerland and Italy . German, French, Italian and English were commonly spoken among its citizens, who founded and published newspapers in these languages. Valparaíso found maritime competition with Callao (Perú). Both cities sought to be

Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral - Misplaced Pages Continue

2304-402: The estanqueros (monopolists). Soon after, he aligned with the conservatives in the political fights that were wracking Chile at the time. As aforementioned, in 1824, Portales’ business firm acquired control over the government's monopoly of tobacco, tea, and liquor; however, the country's troubled conditions soon thwarted his profitable business. For these reasons, Portales finally entered into

2376-652: The power behind the throne of the early republic era, particularly in his shaping the Constitution of 1833. While he never assumed the presidency, his influence permitted him to serve simultaneously as the Minister of War, Minister of the Interior and Minister of Foreign Relations. He was an early proponent of Chilean expansionism . Diego Portales was born in Santiago , the son of María Encarnación Fernández de Palazuelos y Martínez de Aldunate and José Santiago Portales y Larraín,

2448-410: The 2002 and 2017 censuses. Residents of Valparaíso are commonly called porteños (feminine: porteñas ), spanish for "port dweller". As a commune, Valparaíso is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal council , headed by an alcalde who is directly elected every four years. Since 14 November 2024, the mayor's position has been vacant. For the 2021–2024 term,

2520-452: The British, and both the Italians and Germans were in larger numbers by 1907. By 1920, both the Italians and Spanish outnumbered the British, and the primary British community within Chile resided in Santiago. International immigration transformed the local culture from Spanish origins and Amerindian origins, in ways that included the construction of the first non-Catholic cemetery of Chile ,

2592-664: The Hospital Carlos Van Buren in 1912. The golden age of Valparaíso's commerce ended after the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914. Shipping shifted to the canal as captains sought to avoid the risks of the Strait of Magellan. The port's use and traffic declined significantly, causing a decline in the city's economy. The opening of the Panama Canal was one of the most critical events in the shaping of Valparaío's economy. Since

2664-606: The Mint and went into business. He opened a trading house, Portales, Cea and Co. , based in Valparaiso with a branch in Lima , Peru. He bid and obtained management of the government monopoly on tobacco, tea, and liquor (known in Spanish as estanco ). In exchange for the monopoly, he offered to service in full Chile's foreign debt. Nonetheless, in the anarchy that was regnant in Chile at the time, there

2736-867: The National Customs Service, the National Fish and Aquaculture Ministry, the Ministry of Culture and the Barracks General of the Chilean Navy are sited in the city. In addition to the capital of the Valparaíso Region hosts the Regional Administration and government. In 2003, Valparaíso became an UNESCO World Heritage Centre . This title was awarded to Valparaiso for its unique urban form, as well as its clear maintained historical background as

2808-758: The National Steamship Company and Chilean Steamship Company, the South American Steamship Company was created as a national response to the increasing dominance of the Pacific Steam Navigation Company in 1872. In 1880 the Chilean Telephone Company was formed by Americans Joseph Husbands, Peter MacKellar, James Martin, and the US consul Lucius Foot, the first official telephone company in the country. Three years later on

2880-550: The Pacific Ocean, Valparaíso has a labyrinth of streets and cobblestone alleyways, embodying a rich architectural and cultural legacy. Valparaíso is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Since its status as a World Heritage Site, Valparaíso has made several changes to its urban fabric in the process of maintaining its cultural heritage. Landmarks include: Although technically only Chile's sixth largest city, with an urban area population of 295,918 (296,655 in municipality ),

2952-872: The Seafarers. Fire of the South American Company. Assault on the printing press of El Mercurio . Fire of the Malecon. Attitude of the Authority. The troops arrived from Santiago. The calm is restored. Meetings in the Municipality. It reaches an Arrangement. The Court of Appeals. The city in State of Siege. The twentieth century began with the first big protest of dockworkers, Chile on 15 April 1903, due to complaints by dockers about their excessive working hours and demands for higher wages, requests that were ignored by employers, creating

Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral - Misplaced Pages Continue

3024-484: The World Monuments Fund declared Valparaíso's unusual system of funicular lifts (steeply inclined carriages) one of the world's 100 most endangered historical treasures. In 1998, grassroots activists convinced the Chilean government and local authorities to apply for UNESCO world heritage status for Valparaíso. Valparaíso was declared a World Heritage Site in 2003. Built upon dozens of steep hillsides overlooking

3096-457: The citizens along the path of order and progress. These words are demonstrative of the skepticism in pure democracies that the recently failed French revolution impressed upon many. Portales believed that to avoid disaster it was most important to create a stable and functioning government, rather than one ruled by lofty but ultimately impractical ideals. He believed in a peaceful but strong central government, and that in order to successfully run

3168-464: The city (Pedro Montt) was laid and Plaza O'Higgins was created; a hill was removed to allow the passage of Colon Street. The damaged Edwards mansion was demolished and in its place, the present Cathedral of Valparaíso was built and, among many other works, this gave shape to the Almendral Valparaíso area. In 1910, the port expansion work of the city, which ended in 1930, began. A long breakwater

3240-512: The city in August 1906 , killing nearly 3,000 people. Other significant earthquakes to affect the city were the 1730 Valparaíso earthquake and the 1985 Algarrobo earthquake . Because of Valparaíso's proximity to the Peru–Chile Trench , the city is vulnerable to earthquakes. The Peru–Chile Trench stores large amounts of energy for a very long time and sometimes ruptures after short intervals in

3312-534: The city's hillside historic districts. Today, many thousands of people visit Valparaíso each month, from Chile and abroad, to enjoy the city's labyrinth of cobbled alleys and colorful buildings. The Port of Valparaíso still continues to be a major distribution center for container traffic, copper , and fruit exports. It also receives growing attention from cruise ships that visit during the South American summer. Most significantly, Valparaíso has transformed itself into

3384-401: The colonial era. In its place today, stands the building of El Mercurio de Valparaíso. The ocean then rose to this point. Reclamation of land from the sea moved the coastline five blocks away. Between 1810 and 1830, he built much of the existing port of the city, including much of the land reclamation work that now comprises the city's commercial centre. In 1814, the naval Battle of Valparaíso

3456-625: The communal council has the following members: Within the electoral divisions of Chile , Valparaíso is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Andrés Celis ( RN ), Hotuiti Teao (Ind./ EVOP ), Luis Sánchez ( REP ), Tomás Lagomarsino (PR), Tomás de Rementería (PS), Camila Rojas (FA), Jorge Brito (FA), and Luis Cuello (PCCh) for the 2022–2026 term, as part of the 7th electoral district, together with Juan Fernández , Isla de Pascua , Viña del Mar , Concón , Algarrobo , Cartagena , Casablanca , El Quisco , El Tabo , San Antonio , and Santo Domingo . In

3528-556: The coolest and the warmest month, from 17 °C (63 °F) in January to 11.4 °C (52.5 °F) in July. Snowfall occurs rarely in the highest parts of the city. In winter, strong winds can lead to wind chill temperatures below freezing. Nicknamed "The Jewel of the Pacific", Valparaíso was declared a world heritage site based upon its improvised urban design and unique architecture. In 1996,

3600-447: The dictatorship of General Augusto Pinochet . Although congressional activities were to be legally moved by a ruling in 1987, the newly built site only began to function as the seat of Congress during the government of Patricio Aylwin in 1990. Major industries include tourism, culture, shipping and freight transport. Approximately 50 international cruise ships call on Valparaíso during the 4-month Chilean summer. The port of Valparaíso

3672-538: The dominant port on the Pacific Coast of South America during the period of time known as the High Trade (1880–1930). The British community , La Colonia Britanica , prospered in Valparaíso between the 1820s and 1920s. Firms such as Antony Gibbs & Sons , Duncan Fox, and Williamson-Balfour Company were doing business in the town, which had become a significant trading center by 1840, with 166 British ships, out of

SECTION 50

#1733085995331

3744-527: The first European discoverers of Chile, arrived in 1536, aboard the Santiaguillo , a supply ship sent by Diego de Almagro . The Santiaguillo carried men and supplies for Almagro's expedition, under the command of Juan de Saavedra , who named the town after his native village of Valparaíso de Arriba in Cuenca Province , Spain. During Spanish colonial times, Valparaíso remained a small village, with only

3816-549: The first of December, Concepción funicular opened, the first of many hydraulic systems. After the country's independence and its consequent openness to international trade, Valparaíso became an important port of call on trade routes through the Eastern Pacific. Many immigrants settled there, mostly from Europe and North America, who helped include Valparaíso and Chile in the Industrial Revolution sweeping other parts of

3888-588: The first tram company was formed, mostly using horses or mules to draw them, and fully established over the next few years. In 1852, British shipping company Williamson, Balfour & Cía was established in Valparaíso to handle trade in the region. Taking advantage of the total lack of defenses, a Spanish fleet commanded by Casto Méndez Núñez bombarded the city during the Chincha Islands War in 1866. Chilean merchant ships were sunk, except for those vessels whose captains hoisted foreign flags. A merger of

3960-498: The first volunteer fire-fighting units (still a volunteer activity in Chile). Their buildings reflected a variety of European styles, making Valparaíso more varied than some other Chilean cities. On 18 August 1906, a major earthquake struck Valparaíso; there was extensive property damage and thousands of deaths. The Chilean doctor, Carlos Van Buren, of U.S. descent, was involved in the medical care of earthquake victims. He later established

4032-470: The growth of the economy. Those who particularly benefited from his conservative rule were the already rich. Additionally, Portales helped Chile maintain a good deal of stability relative to many of the other Latin American nations. This was accomplished by Portales' improvement and renewal of the administration of the State, his strategic vision of Chile as an independent sovereign nation, and his influence upon

4104-712: The limelight and paved the way for his political career. After the triumph of the conservatives in the Revolution of 1829, President José Tomás Ovalle y Bezanilla named him Minister of the Interior and Foreign Affairs on April 6, 1830 remaining until May 1831. He was named again to that position by President Fernando Errázuriz Aldunate on July 9, 1831 and remained until August 31, 1831 and named once again by President José Joaquín Prieto from November 9, 1835 to January 1837. Something similar happened with his nomination as minister of war and navy from April 6, 1830 until May 1831; then from July 9, 1831 until December 1832 and from September 21, 1835 to September 1836. Though Portales

4176-399: The oldest Spanish language newspaper in continuous publication in the world, El Mercurio de Valparaíso . In 2003, the historic quarter of Valparaíso was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The twentieth century was unfavorable to Valparaíso, as many wealthy families abandoned the city. The opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, and the associated reduction in ship traffic, dealt

4248-402: The oldest circulating newspaper in the Spanish language worldwide. In May 1828, a constitutional convention began regular meetings in the church of San Francisco . By August 9, the Constitution of the Republic of Chile was fully drafted and disseminated. On 6 June 1837, Minister Diego Portales was shot at the port outside of Baron Hill on suspicion of promoting conspirators who opposed

4320-475: The original design. The second phase that contains an auditorium with space for more than 2000 is going to start soon. The Centro Cultural Gabriela Mistral was inaugurated in September 2010 and is named after Chilean poet-diplomat, educator and humanist Gabriela Mistral . Today it's a cultural centre devoted to disseminate and promote performing arts and music. Among many other activities, it offers contemporary drama and dance, as well as classic and popular music,

4392-482: The political sphere, and very soon he would become the intellectual leader of the conservative side. He helped to reorganize the conservative party, and, in 1827, founded El Hambriento (or The Starveling), a journal attacking liberal idealists known as the pipiolos (“white beaks”) from Portales' party's (a.k.a. the pelucones or "big wigs") perspective. Portales was an effective satirist, contributing several popular articles to The Starveling. Portales' articles placed him in

SECTION 60

#1733085995331

4464-424: The prerequisite to establishing a real Republic. But monarchy is not the American ideal either; if we get out of one terrible government just to jump headlong into another, what will we have gained? The Republican system is the one which we must adopt, but do you know how I interpret it for our countries? A strong central government whose representatives will be men of true virtue and patriotism, and who thus can direct

4536-473: The state religion. As a result of his campaign for peace, order, and thus progress, business also improved. In 1822, before his rise to power Portales wrote to a friend: Politics doesn't interest me, but as a good citizen I feel free to express my opinions and to censure the government. Democracy, which is so loudly proclaimed by the deluded is an absurdity in our countries, flooded as they are with vices and with their citizens lacking all sense of civic virtue,

4608-399: The turn of the 21st century, shipping has increased in the last few decades with fruit exports, opening the Chilean economy to world commerce, and larger-scale, Post-Panamax ships that do not fit the Panama Canal. On 28 March 1814, the USS Essex was defeated by British frigates Phoebe and Cherub during the War of 1812 , leading to the deaths of 58 US Marines. Captain David Porter ,

4680-563: The world. This created a different city with civil, financial, commercial and industrial institutions, many of which still exist today. All this resulted in a population increases. The city reached more than 160,000 inhabitants in the late nineteenth century, making it necessary to use the steep hills for more houses, mansions and even cemeteries. The lack of available land caused the city authorities and developers to reclaim low lying tidal marshland (polders) upon which to build administrative, commercial and industrial infrastructure. The Strike of

4752-419: Was at that time the heart of the Chilean economy. The damage was valued at hundreds of millions of pesos of the time, and human victims were counted at 3,000 dead and over 20,000 injured. After the removal of the debris, reconstruction work began. This included the widening of streets, culverting and covering streams, (Jaime and Delicias – creating the avenues Francia and Argentina respectively). The main street of

4824-421: Was built, along with piers and docking terminals. The Imperial German East Asia Squadron engaged the British West Indies Squadron on 1 November 1914 at the Battle of Coronel off the coast of Valparaiso, sinking two British cruisers. After the battle the East Asia Squadron stayed in Valparaiso Harbor before continuing to the Falklands. Chile's legislature along with other institutions of national importance like

4896-416: Was finished in only 275 days in a significant effort supported by several thousand volunteers. This effort was part of a major propaganda initiative performed by the socialist government of Salvador Allende , in power between the end of 1970 and September 1973 .After the conference, the building was used as a cultural center until the 1973 Chilean coup d'état . After the end of the Pinochet regime , it hosted

4968-431: Was fought offshore of the town, between American and British ships involved in the War of 1812 . After Chile's independence from Spain (1818), beginning the Republican Era , Valparaíso became the main harbour for the nascent Chilean navy, and opened international trade opportunities that had been formerly limited to Spain and its other colonies. Valparaíso soon became a desired stopover for ships rounding South America via

5040-402: Was in charge of Portales, had him shot when he heard of the news, on June 6, 1837. Most of the conspirators were subsequently captured and executed. This murder turned the tide of Chilean public opinion. The government derogated Martial law and the country rallied behind the government. The war became a holy cause, and Portales a martyr. Portales' reign helped to pick up business and accelerate

5112-401: Was never president officially (and in fact he deliberately avoided this position for fear of being tied up by factional promises), he became a dictator and with this powerful position, he quelled anarchy. Portales set up a civil militia (which ended one of the worst stages of militarism in Chile's history); supported an oligarchic control for landowners, miners, and merchants; and made Catholicism

5184-413: Was no means of enforcing a monopoly as the government could not regulate sales of tobacco, tea, and liquor, and the company eventually went bankrupt. His contract with the government was voided and the Chilean government was found to owe Portales 87,000 pesos. Out of this unsuccessful business venture, the only remnant was the name eventually applied to his political followers, who in time came to be known as

#330669