German colonization of Valdivia, Osorno and Llanquihue

From 1850 to 1875 the region around Valdivia, Osorno and Llanquihue in Southern Chile receives some six thousand German immigrants as part of a state-led colonization scheme.

Some immigrants are leaving Europe as consequence of the aftermath of the German revolutions of 1848–49.

They bring skills and assets as artisans, farmers and merchants to Chile, contributing to development.

German settlement has a long-lasting influence on the society, economy, and geography of Southern Chile.

The German colonization of Valdivia, Osorno and Llanquihue is considered the first of three waves of German settlement in Chile, the others lasting from 1882 to 1914 and from 1918 onward.