Members of Chile's first political parties, the…

Members of Chile's first political parties, the Conservatives (pelucones, or bigwigs) and the Liberals (pipiolos, or novices), began to coalesce around the church-state issue.

Not only more favorably inclined toward the church, the Conservatives are also more sympathetic than the Liberals toward the colonial legacy, authoritarian government, the supremacy of executive powers, and a unitary state.

After their victory at the Battle of Lircay, the Conservatives take charge, spearheaded by a Valparaiso merchant, Diego Portales Palazuelos.