Causal Map: Social Outburst
WORLDHISTORY PROJECT1750 / LESSON 2.3OPENERCAUSAL MAP: SOCIAL OUTBURSTUnless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Causal Map: Social Outburst”, OER Project, www.oerproject.com1PurposeThe historical thinking skill of causation is key to analyzing historical events, and it’s especially useful for understanding events like protests and revolutions. Practice looking for the relationship between cause and effect as you learn about a real-life example of revolutionary action.Process1.Read the description of Estallido Social(social outburst), an event that occurred in Chile in 2019. As you read, keep an eye out for causes and effects. Underlinethe causes and circle the effects.In October 2019, Chile experienced massive protests that began as a response to a subway fare increase but which quickly turned into a nationwide movement against inequality. The protests started in Santiago, the capital, after the government raised metro fares by 30 pesos (about four cents in US dollars). Many Chileans, especially students, were frustrated because they felt the cost of living was already too high. In response to the rate increase, students began jumping subway turnstiles in protest, and these demonstrations soon grew into large-scale marches across the country.As the protests spread, people expressed anger over deeper issues, such as low wages, the high cost of healthcare and education, and a large gap between the rich and poor. Many Chileans felt that the government had not done enough to help ordinary citizens. The demonstrations became more intense, with some turning violent. Protesters clashed with police, and there were reports of looting and fires. The government declared a state of emergency and sent the military to restore order, something that had not happened since Chile’s dictatorship ended in 1990.Despite the violence, the protests led to major political change. In response to the protests, the government agreed to rewrite Chile’s constitution, which had been in place since the brutal military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, which ended in 1990. The protests were a turning point in Chilean history, showing the power of people demanding change. Although the new constitution was later rejected in 2022, the movement highlighted Chileans’ desire for a fairer society.A protest on the streets of Santiago in October 2019.
WORLDHISTORY PROJECT1750 / LESSON 2.3OPENERCAUSAL MAP: SOCIAL OUTBURST2Causal Map: Estallido Social2.Use the causes and effects you marked to create a causal map. Causes should go in bubbles with arrows pointing toward the central event (Chile’s government declares state of emergency). Effects should go in bubbles with arrows pointing away from the central event. Add bubbles and arrows as needed.Chile’s government declares state of emergency