Wallmapu-Araucania (The Sun of the Andes)

Butalmapu / Mapuche Confederacy Wallmapu / Araucanía Timeline: The Sun of the Andes OTL equivalent: Southern Chile and Patagonia
National flag National seal
Location of Araucanía
Capital		Trayén
Largest city		Temuko
Other cities		Angol, Neuquen, Viedma and Camarones
Official languages		Mapudungun
Other languages		Spanish, Quechua and Tehuelche
Ethnic groups		Native American, White (Hispanic) and African American
Religion		Secular (officially), Mapuche religion (state sponsored), Anglican, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, other Protestants, Judaism, and Non-Religious
Demonym		Mapuche
Government		confederation (Butalmapu)
-	Supreme Director	Lorenzo Aillavilu
Legislature		National Assembly (Koyag)
Key Events
-	Parliament of Quilín	1641
-	First Meeting of the Koyag	1818
-	Proclamation of the Kingdom of Araucania	1820
-	Peace of Tapihue	1825
-	Proclamation of the republic (Wallmapu)	1891
Area
-		553,619 km2  213,753 sq mi
Population
-	estimate	3,082,404
Currency		Peso ($P, 1826-1858), Kondor küyen (K. 1858-1892), Llipifücha ($L, 1892 to date)
Time zone		UTC -5
Date formats		dd-mm-yyyy
Drives on the		right

Wallmapu or Araucania is the national confederacy of the Mapuche people of southern South America. It borders to the north Chile and Argentina and to south Chile. The Andean Mountain Range divides Wallmapu in half: Ngulumapu (westland) and Puelmapu (eastland) or Patagonia.

Geographical Ngulumapu corresponds to the western part of Wallmapu. It is characterized by its lush landscapes, forests, rivers, and coastal areas. The Andes mountains serve as a natural border in this region. Puelmapu covers the eastern part of Wallmapu, the northern Patagonia. This area is marked by its steppe-like plains, arid climate, and vast open spaces.

The sovereignty of Wallmapu was recognised by Chile by the Peace of Tapihue (1825). From 1820 to 1891, Wallmapu was constitutional monarchy under the name of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia. The Revolution of 1891 established the current republic.

History

Kingdom of the Araucania and Patagonia (1820-1891)

Flag of Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia (1820-1891)

Coat of arms of Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia (1820-1891)

In 1818, Amidst the turbulent landscape of colonial upheaval and the fervor of the revolutionary wars of independence that swept across South America, the Mapuche leaders, known as lonkos, convened for a historic assembly in 1818. Gathered at Trayén for the inaugural Koyag meeting, they embarked on a pivotal journey in the annals of Mapuche history. Their objective was clear: to forge unity among diverse Mapuche factions, rallying under a common cause—the defense of their ancestral lands, preserving traditions and the pursuit of a sovereign nation.

Inspired by the spirit of independence sweeping across Argentina, Chile and Peru, the Mapuche leaders assembled in the Koyag proclaimed the Kingdom of Araucania in 1820. This bold proclamation not only asserted their sovereignty but also underscored their commitment to preserving governance and societal structures amidst Chile's shifting landscape of independence and revolution. The Kingdom of Araucania was envisioned as a confederation of autonomous communities, bound together under one banner for defense, diplomacy, and mutual support.

The Peace of Tapihue in 1825 marked a watershed moment for Araucania. Following years of conflict and tense negotiations, Chile begrudgingly acknowledged Araucania's independence. The treaty, a testament to Mapuche diplomacy and resilience, affirmed their right to self-governance and defined territorial boundaries. While Valdivia remained within Chilean jurisdiction, Chiloe Island was formally recognized as part of Araucania due to its Huilliche population against the appreciation of Chile. However, Chile's capture of Chiloe in 1826, the last vestige of Spanish control in the south, stymied any further territorial claims by Araucania. The Treaty of Valdivia in 1828 formally delineated the southern extent of the Kingdom's domain.

South of the Colorado River in Patagonia, Araucania extended its de facto control, straining relations with Argentina. Mapuche raids, malones, into Buenos Aires province and resistance to Argentine colonization efforts led to the construction of defensive fortifications. Throughout the 1830s and 1840s, Araucania solidified its presence in Ngulumapu, with local lofs recognizing the authority of the King, the establishment of governance structures, postal services and enforcing conscription. By the 1860s, a fortified frontier of trenches, garrisons and tolls existed along the Colorado River, culminating in the Agreement of 1873, which codified the boundary between Araucania and Argentina.

The occupation and settlement by Chile of the Strait of Magellan made possible an expansion of the mainly inhabited lands of southern Patagonia. Sheep from the Malvinas Islands were introduced to the lands around the Straits of Magellan, and throughout the 19th century, sheep farming grew to be the most important economic sector in southern Patagonia.

Chile's expansion into the Strait of Magellan facilitated the settlement of southern Patagonia, driven primarily by sheep farming and grazing lands. The encroachment of Chilean forces into Patagonian territory sparked the Patagonia War (1888-1891), marked by Mapuche resistance and Chilean alliances with the Tehuelches. Against a well supplied and drilled Chilean Army, Mapuche armies were being ill supplied and with inexperienced military leadership were marked for disaster. An advantage that Chile gained was its alliance with the Teheulches supplying them with weapons and using them as army auxiliaries and scouts. The last major campaign, the Battle of Puerto Deseado (1890) ended in a complete defeat of Araucania. The National Crisis of 1890, as the defeat became to be known, led the Kingdom to open peace negotiations with Chile. The Treaty of 1890 established the frontier at the 46th parallel south with Chile gaining all lands south of it.

During the war calls for social and political reform were not taken into account or simply ignored by the authorities and traditional authorities leading to the formation of a wide political movement that became radicalized as its demands were not recognized in open republicanism. The ensuing National Crisis of 1890 prompted widespread unrest and calls for King Nahuel II's abdication. Following a week of riots and military mutiny, Nahuel II relinquished power, paving the way for a transitional State Council and the eventual establishment of a republican constitution through a constituent assembly.

The King of the Araucania (1820-1891) was elected for life or on his abdication from among the members of the royal family, the House of Millaman-Newen, by the High Council of the Kingdom being usually the oldest son. The king names and dismisses the state ministers and appoints part of the members of the High Council. There was a bicameral Legislature comprising an upper house representing the nobility and senior lonkos (High Council), and a lower house representing the broader population through elected representatives (Chamber of Deputies).

Kings of the Araucania and Patagonia (1820-1891)

• Antü I (1820-1834)
• Antü II (1834-1853)
• Nahuel I (1853-1871)
• Leftraru I (1871-1882)
• Calfucurá I (1882-1889)
• Nahuel II (1889-1891)

Goverment

Wallmapu is a unitary representative republic. The Constitution of the Republic of Wallmapu, ratified in 1892, laid down the foundational principles of the nation, emphasizing democracy, secularism, and the protection of communal lands. It recognized the Mapuche language alongside Spanish as official languages and enshrined the rights of all citizens.

Serving as both the head of state and government, the Supreme Director is elected directly by the citizens of Wallmapu for a four-year term, with the possibility of one re-election. The Supreme Director i is responsible for the country's executive functions, including implementing laws, directing foreign policy, and overseeing the administration. Appointed by the Supreme Director, the Council of Ministers includes heads of various sate and executive departments. They are accountable to both the Supreme Director and the legislature.The National Assembly (Koyag) is the unicameral legislature, consisting of deputies elected by the people from various constituencies across Wallmapu. Its responsibilities include drafting laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the executive branch.

The Supreme Court oversees the interpretation and application of the Constitution, ensuring the laws passed by the Koyag adhere to constitutional principles. It also hears cases of national significance and disputes between different branches of government. Organised at regional and local levels, lower courts handle civil, criminal, and administrative cases, operating under the principles of fairness, impartiality, and respect for traditional Mapuche dispute resolution practices where applicable.

Regional governments manage local affairs, including education, health, and infrastructure development. These governments are led by governors elected by the residents of their respective regions. Local Communal Councils address the specific needs of local communities, particularly in rural and indigenous areas. These councils play a critical role in land management, cultural preservation, and local dispute resolution.

President Government Council

• Sergio Quilapán (1891-1892, National Republican Movement MRN)

Supreme Director

• Lorenzo Aillavilu (1892-1896, MRN)
• Mariñan Catrileo (1896-1900, MRN)
• Manuel Torralba (1900-1903, Liberal Democratic Society, SLD) died in office
• Francisco Nahuelpan (1903-1904, MRN) interim Supreme Director
• Anselmo Linco (1904-1908, MRN)
• Juan Calfunao (1908-1912, SLD)
• Sergio Namuncura (1912-1916, MRN)
• Mariano Quilapán (1916-1920, Industrial Progress Party PPI)
• Felipe Ñanculef (1924-1928, SDL)

Society

The Andean divide of Wallmapu in Ngulumapu (westland) and Puelmapu (eastland) or Patagonia transcends its geographical distinctions embedding deeper cultural and political differences.

The Mapuche religion, with deities, ancestral worship, and reverence for nature, remains a cornerstone of the cultural and spiritual life in Wallmapu. Public rites, such as the Machitún (healing ceremonies), Guillatún (rituals for prosperity and well-being), and Ngillatun (prayers for good seasons and harvests), are integral to the community, fostering a deep connection with the land and the spiritual world. These practices are not only religious ceremonies but also affirm the Mapuche identity and communal bonds. The majority follow the Mapuche religion and its main public rites, but Christian church attendance is high. Predominantly followed in Ngulumapu, Catholicism integrates with local customs and beliefs, reflecting a syncretic form of worship. The Catholic Church's presence is significant in urban and rural communities, with churches often serving as community centers. Anglicanism and Methodism introduced by missionaries in the 1860s found a receptive audience in the Puelmapu region, promoting the emergence of a strong community identity and education. Their missionary efforts led to the establishment of schools, medical facilities, and social programs, embedding these denominations within the local communities. In urban and coastal areas of the west, despite the traditional Catholic dominance, Anglicanism and Methodism have also garnered substantial followings, contributing to the religious plurality of Wallmapu. This east and west religious divided had at many times being at odds.

The Revolution of 1891 enacted religious freedom and a secular state abandoning the previous official stance of Catholicism with the state becoming neutral in religious matters.

One of the goals of the Revolution of 1891 was national and cultural renewal. A free public and national educational system was established. For the first time many lofs and rural collectives had a primary school and some also had an agricultural and crafts school. The National Academy was reformed and open to all aspects of Mapuche culture, specifically the promotion of Mapudungun.

Economy

The economy of Wallmapu is primarily agricultural, there is industrial activity concentrated in urban centers, much of it government-initiated. Most farmers along the central valley and Patagonia grow wheat, corn, rice, and potatoes. Aquaculture combined with rice cultivation has become more common and farmed salmon, trout and carp populations provide an important protein source. Livestock raising is common in the valleys and plains of Patagonia, where cattle, sheep, goats, llama and water buffalo are widely kept. Farmers raise chickens, turkeys and guinea pigs, and use horses, cattle and sheep for transport, milk and wool.

In Patagonia sheep farming and wheat and fruit production near the Andes towards the north were the most important activities before the discovery of oil and gas

The discovery of the Neuquen oil and gas fields in 1905 changed the economy of Wallmapu from an agricultural one to one that produces and exports gas and oil. In 1916 the PGW (Petróleo y Gas de Wallmapu) was established as the national company along with previous foreign companies. In 1934 it established a state monopoly on oil and gas production and distribution under the ENPW. Wallmapu pursues a strategy of oil and energy self-sufficiency.

Trade agreements with Chile and Argentina ensure the flow of manufactured goods to Wallmapu in exchange of oil, gas, agricultural, timber and livestock products.