Arauco War

Background

The Arauco War was a long-standing conflict between colonial Spaniards and the Mapuche people in what is now Chile. The war, which spanned over 300 years from 1536 to 1883, is one of the longest wars in recorded history. The conflict was marked by large-scale battles, guerrilla warfare, and changing alliances.

A depiction of a battle during the Arauco War.

Origins of the Conflict

The conflict began with the arrival of Spanish conquerors in the Araucanía region, the homeland of the Mapuche people. The Spaniards, led by Pedro de Valdivia, were initially welcomed by the Mapuche. However, relations quickly soured as the Spaniards began to impose their rule, leading to the outbreak of war.

The War

The Arauco War was characterized by periods of intense conflict interspersed with long periods of relative peace. The war can be divided into several phases, each marked by significant events or shifts in strategy.

Initial Conquest (1536–1553)

The initial conquest was marked by the Spanish establishment of cities and forts in Mapuche territory. The Mapuche, led by their toqui (war leader), resisted fiercely, leading to several major battles.

The Rebellion of Lautaro (1553–1557)

The rebellion of Lautaro, a young Mapuche warrior who had served as a personal servant to Pedro de Valdivia, marked a significant turning point in the war. Lautaro led a successful campaign against the Spanish, culminating in the Battle of Tucapel where Valdivia was killed.

The Long War (1558–1598)

The Long War was a period of protracted conflict, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage. The Spanish launched several campaigns to subdue the Mapuche, but were met with fierce resistance.

The War of Arauco (1598–1655)

The War of Arauco, also known as the Second Great Rebellion, was a period of intense conflict. The Mapuche launched a major offensive, driving the Spanish out of many of their settlements.

The Parlamentos (1655–1810)

The Parlamentos were a series of peace treaties between the Spanish and the Mapuche. These treaties recognized Mapuche autonomy in exchange for recognition of Spanish sovereignty.

The Occupation of Araucanía (1861–1883)

The final phase of the Arauco War was the Occupation of Araucanía by the newly independent Chilean state. This period was marked by the forced assimilation of the Mapuche and the loss of their traditional lands.

Impact and Legacy

The Arauco War had profound impacts on both the Mapuche and the Spanish. The war resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of people. The legacy of the war continues to influence relations between the Mapuche and the Chilean state today.