The lust for gold and silver was always a high priority for the Spanish colonizers, but they understood that the true wealth of the New World consisted of large indigenous populations. Disengaging in physical labor themselves, they exploited indigenous peoples, by which the Crown had granted individual Spaniards rights to do so. This system was established in northern Chile where the indigenous populations were easily controlled, ironically because they were highly organized and more accustomed to similar forms of exploitation.
The Spaniards also established dominance in central Chile, but the nomadic peoples of the south held their ground and fought ruthlessly to keep their homes. Even into the late 19th century the area remained unsafe for white settlers. The Mapuche had tamed the feral horses and they soon became expert riders, which increased their mobility and enhanced their ability to strike.
In 1553, the Mapuche people took out Valdivia, the Spanish colonizer that was making his way through the lands of Chile. Their efforts we a success but Valdivia had already managed to set up colonies spreading from the northern boarder of Peru until much past present day Santiago. The uprisings continued until 1558 when the Spanish realized the Mapuche were not going to give up their territory without a continuous fight.
Still to this day the Mapuche people live in the south of Chile on the same land their ancestors fought for. There has even been some conflict in recent years between the Mapuche tribe and the government of Chile.
Querido Chile 