El problema de la propiedad de la tierra en el sur de Chile (1850-1930)

Abstract

This paper analyzes conflicts over land ownership in Southern Chile (Araucanía, Valdivia and Osorno mainly). This conflict had as its main protagonists the State, Chileans and foreigners. After the revision of its background, including the arrival of Chileans and foreigners to the area and the presence of indigenous communities, the article pays attention to the efforts made trough legislation, ministerial work and State policies over indigenous communities to solve the problem. This reveals the attempt made by the State to consolidate rural private ownership. This was made trough expedite recognition of owners in possession of land titles and land settlers, in an effort to put an end to indigenous communities. The success was partial because communal land ownership did not disappear, despite the strengthening of private land ownership.