Over a dozen millennia ago, humans formed settlements in the land we now call Chile. Spaniards arrived in the 16th century only to conquer the descendants of the original settlers. Within 250 years, most of Chile’s population consisted of mestizos–descendants of Spanish colonists and indigenous peoples. These people rebelled against Spain, and in 1818, formed an independent Republic of Chile. This book thoroughly describes Chile’s tumultuous past and hope-filled future. Carefully researched primary source images, including maps, important manuscripts, art, architecture, industry, and more, bring to life the people, the trauma, and the joys that are Chile.