Cambios tecnológicos y proyectos económicos en las fuerzas armadas de Chile, 1860-1930

Abstract

This article analyses the relationship between technological changes and economic projects experienced by Chilean military institutions between 1860 and 1930. These changes were part of industrializing streams that emerged as a result of economic nationalism and State interventions in strategic áreas since the 1920s. However, these measures did not have an institutional consensus and were opposed by businessmen and technocrats. The article considers different aspects including the limits imposed to military institutions by civilians in terms of State control and economic management as well as the incomplete technological modernization and different views of the Army and Navy over weapon providers and the kind of potential war scenarios. All of these made the alliance between military, businessmen and technocrat interests to créate a military industrial facility impossible. © 2009 Instituto de Historia. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.