The Treaties of Quillén and Tapihue: The Origins of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia and its Constitution

 

The Treaty of Quillén (1641)


The Treaty of Quillén, signed on 6 January 1641, marked a rapprochement between the Spanish colonial authorities and the Mapuche. This treaty is considered a successful model of diplomacy and negotiation in the 17th century.

Important points of the Treaty of Quillén:

End of hostilities: The treaty ended a long period of war between the Spanish and the Mapuche, bringing peace to the region.
Mapuche autonomy: He guaranteed the Mapuche a large degree of autonomy over their territories, recognizing their right to govern their lands according to their own laws and customs.
Respect for cultures: The treaty fostered mutual respect for cultures, allowing both parties to coexist while maintaining their distinct identities.
Diplomatic model: This treaty is often cited as an example of successful diplomacy, where dialogue and negotiation prevailed over military confrontation.

 

Treaty of Tapihue (1825)


The Treaty of Tapihue, signed on January 7, 1825, marks a significant moment of peace and cooperation between the Chilean authorities and the Mapuche people. This treaty has strengthened diplomatic relations and promoted peaceful coexistence after a period of conflict.

Important points of the Treaty of Tapihue:

Mutual recognition: The treaty established mutual respect between the two parties, with official recognition of the territories and rights of the Mapuche.
Peace and stability: By signing this treaty, both sides ended decades of conflict, thereby promoting peace and stability in the region.
Trade and commerce: The Treaty paved the way for trade and cultural exchanges, benefiting both communities and strengthening economic ties.
The Treaty has laid the foundations for continued dialogue and future cooperation, showing that peaceful agreements are possible even after periods of tension.
The Treaties of Tapihue and Quillén are valuable examples of the possibility of reaching peaceful and respectful agreements between different cultures. They reiterate the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation in building a harmonious future.

These two treaties are at the very origin of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia and its Constitution as written by Orélie-Antoine I and the Mapuche Parliament