“WE WANT A FEDERATION!”: THE ORIGINS, FOUNDING, AND CONSOLIDATION OF THE STUDENT FEDERATION OF THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF CHILE (1938–1943)

Abstract

This article recounts and reconstructs, through different primary and secondary sources, the events and historical context surrounding the founding of the Federation of Students of the Catholic University of Chile (FEUC), one of the longest-established representative social organizations with uninterrupted activity in Chile. Thus, a trajectory is outlined that begins at the origins of the student organization at the Catholic University and results in the progressive consolidation of a common space for student participation, crossed by political debates, intellectual discussions and a purpose of contributing to the development of the university and the country as a whole. In summary, it is possible to identify tensions, critical junctures and key actors in the original construction of an organization that has proven to be consequential in the political development of Chile and the socialization of future leading elites.