In Chile the Castilian–Basque aristocracy (Spanish: aristocracia castellano-vasca) formed the social and political elite of the country after gaining independence in the early 19th century.
[2] This term, coined by historian Francisco Antonio Encina, refers to the union between the dominant group of the local social system of Castilian origin and certain immigrants from the Basque Country who managed to amass considerable fortunes in Chile.
As a way of consolidating their power, it was common for this group to buy noble titles or orders of chivalry and establish entailments that allowed them to keep large properties without the need to divide them.
[5] The main settlement center of this group was in the north and central-southern area of the country, from La Serena, passing through Santiago to Concepción, coinciding with the borders of the Captaincy General of Chile.
In fact, even today, some of these families continue to hold their noble titles, possess great fortunes, and have an important political influence in modern-day Chile.