Chilean History By vago Jan 1, 1535 Indigenous Araucanian people successfully resist first Spanish invasion of Chile. Jan 1, 1541 Pedro de Valdivia begins Spanish conquest and founds Santiago. Jan 1, 1553 Araucanians capture and kill Valdivia. Jan 1, 1810 Junta in Santiago proclaims autonomy for Chile following the overthrow of the king of Spain by Napoleon. Jan 1, 1814 Spain regains control of Chile. Jan 1, 1817 Spanish defeated by Army of the Andes led by Jose de San Martin and Bernardo O'Higgins at the battles of Chacabuco and Maipu. Jan 1, 1818 Chile becomes independent with O'Higgins as supreme leader. Jan 1, 1830 O'Higgins forced to resign; civil war between liberal federalists and conservative centralists ends with conservative victory. Jan 1, 1861 President Manuel Montt liberalises constitution and reduces privileges of landowners and church. President Manuel Montt liberalises constitution and reduces privileges of landowners and church.