[img]http://i.imgur.com/RCvGtdJ.png[/img]
[b]Nation:[/b]
Chile

[b]Leader:[/b]
Luis Sepulveda. 

[b]History:[/b]
Coming out of the 1891 Civil War Chile had established a system closely resembling that of a parliamentary democracy, but with a weakened President.  The years preceding the Great War would be spent in a naval arms race with Argentina and eventually Brazil that ended at the onset of the War due to the reality that most manufacturers of vessels were focused on their own fleets.

Neutral in WW1 Chile decided to take position as economic support, however in practice the large German minority in Chile influenced things to the point that almost all business was done with Germany and the Central Powers.  By the end of the Great War Chile had benefited from its exports, particularly the abundant Nitrate deposits that had been vital for decades.  While the end of the war brought about a period of depression profits kept in reserve helped keep the nation afloat in the crisis, though only the elite were able to weather it without worry.  Indeed in 1926 while the elite who largely controlled the parliament gorged themselves on the nations wealth even in rough times an increasingly powerful working class founded a Marxist party that to the surprise of many gained massive popularity among young officers in the military.  Seeing the older military command having been bribed into submission much of the enlisted followed suit.  With the new Marxist party gaining rapid support across the nation and in the military the Chilean parliament was panicked.  Fearful of violent revolution, which many were convinced was going to happen, parliament attempted to bribe Marxist politicians and even the candidate many favoured for president.  In 1928 with these bribed Marxists now in both the parliament and the presidency the old elite felt assured that under false representation the public would be content.

That decision would prove disastrous.  With supposedly docile Marxists in their ranks the old elite continued their normal behaviour for another two years before enough information was gained to signal a coup.  Led by the president that was thought to be a puppet by parliament the coup was rapid and effective, dismantling the old parliament and military command in three days. As a result President Jose Baer set up the first truly Socialist Chilean government in 1930.  A new constitution followed and a sort of Socialist Republic was born after a process in which opinions were gained from most prominent individuals to determine how the nation should be run.  Following elections held immediately after Jose Baer retained the presidency with little contest.

Sweeping reforms would follow through the 1930’s and 40’s that focused on building infrastructure and improving education, the economy, and working conditions.  In this time many candidates would run against the Socialist candidates and gain significant representation.  This balance was generally approved of and kept private interest alive in Chile, though usually under strict government supervision.  Ties were strengthened with neighbouring South American nations regardless of political affiliation but rather on the basis of continental solidarity and exports continued much as they did before the coup, with both local and distant international partners keeping the Chilean economy strong and versatile with and the government alongside private industry trading abroad.

With a reliably strong economy Chile continued to develop in much the same way with huge investments in infrastructure and other amenities gradually changing many impoverished areas for the better.  This state of affairs proved stabilizing and where many other states would see unrest, Chile would remain secure.  However this emphasis on the public would only continue until the 1970’s.  Seeing a strong destabilization of global affairs in the decade along with instability in nearby Brazil which despite historical political differences had remained an ally a public shift led to the election of Luis Sepulveda in 1973.  Leading a campaign based on increased national security Sepulveda brought about a revival of the military purchasing equipment from various international sources and starting numerous programs to expand industrial centers for the arms industry.  In the period Sepulveda brought about little in the form of political change but did place a strong emphasis on South American unity, reinforcing ties with the SAC and looking to local industry before going elsewhere in almost every case.  Re-elected in 1979 Sepulveda presides over a strong Chilean economy with a rejuvenated military, however not all are pleased with his methods and for the first time in decades there are stirrings of instability with many groups stating the expansion of the military risks the degradation of Chilean society. 

[b]Military:[/b]

The Chilean military has historically taken second place to domestic spending however in recent times has experienced sweeping reforms and rearmament.  Focusing on with the navy Chile has sought to command its sector of the Pacific and has refurbished Easter Island with a substantial offshore naval base.  In addition efforts have been made to reequip the air force with a variety of high endurance bomber and fighter aircraft to protect the Chilean coast.  Comparatively army expenditures have been less, but the upgrades have still been significant.  Working to have all soldiers well trained has been the highest priority and new equipment has been gradually coming in to replace an aging base of arms.

POSTS:

1. Underway