On September 18th 1810, Chile broke from Spanish rule, declaring their independence. The Spanish had ruled Chile since the middle of the 16th Century.
Other South American countries rising against colonial control, French and Spanish battling in Europe, and the selection of an unpopular Governor in 1808 all contributed to the campaign for independence.
While Chileans celebrate their freedom on September 18th, their proclamation in 1810 marked the beginning of a protracted fight, with the Chilean War of freedom lasting eight years before Chile was able to legally declare independence on February 12th, 1818. Indeed, it wasn't until 1826 when the last Spanish troops remaining on a distant island surrendered to Chilean forces.
