This book examines the formative period of Chile's history.

Acknowledgments; Abbreviations used in the notes; Introduction; Part I. The New Republic, 1830-65: 1. The early republic: a sketch; 2. The conservative system; Part II. From Portales to Montt, 1835-51: 3. Authoritarians and moderates, 1835-46; 4. The liberal challenge, 1846-51; Part III. Mid-Century Attitudes: 5. Progress and its instruments; 6. Political argument; 7. Model republic; 8. Looking outward; Part IV. Order and Liberty, 1851-64: 9. The Conservative defection, 1851-8; 10. The triumph of liberty, 1859-64; Sources; Index.