Honor Chilean Independence Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 2937 BY: Senator PERALTA COMMEMORATING the 207th Anniversary of Chile's first national government on September 18, 2017 WHEREAS, 10,000 years ago, southward migrating Indians settled in the fertile valleys and along the Coast of Chile; Chile was shortly ruled, in part, by the Incan empire, but proved too barren for extensive settlement; and WHEREAS, Spanish conquest began in the 1500s when Diego de Almagro and later Pedro de Valdivia encountered hundreds of thousands of Indians; and WHEREAS, Santiago, the long-standing seat of Chilean government was founded in February of 1541; and WHEREAS, Although the Spanish did not find the extensive gold and silver they sought, they recognized the agricultural potential of Chile's central valley, and Chile became part of the Viceroyalty of Peru; and WHEREAS, Due to the weakening of Spain during the Napoleonic wars, Chile, like most Spanish colonies, began their own quest for sovereignty; and WHEREAS, A national junta in the name of Ferdinand formed on

September 18, 1810, proclaiming Chile an autonomous republic within the Spanish monarchy, though a movement for full independence was supported by most of Chile; and WHEREAS, Spanish attempts to regain control during what was called the "Reconquista" led to a prolonged struggle; intermittent warfare continued until 1817, when an army led by Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's most renowned patriot, and Jose de San Martin, hero of Argentine independence, crossed the Andes into Chile and defeated the royalists; and WHEREAS, On February 12, 1818, Chile, an independent republic, was proclaimed and led by Bernardo O'Higgins, though Chile continues to honor September 18, 1810, the day of separation from Spanish rule, as their national holiday; and WHEREAS, Many Chileans have made New York their home, and this Legislative Body is justly proud to thank the Chilean people for their contributions to this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 207th Anniversary of Chile's first national government on September 18, 2017.