Chaos at the Convent: The Student Movement of the Catholic University of Chile in the “turbulent years” (1947-1950)

Abstract

This article reviews the historical cycle of politization and student mobilization within the Catholic University of Chile that took place between 1947 and 1950. This cycle occurred in a known hostile environment to politics and contentious activity. Through an expository and analytical chronological analysis based on contemporary sources, both primary and secondary, the article describes the key events in the development of a political and cultural conflict at the university. Moreover, it shows a dynamic student movement that achieves high and unusual degrees of autonomy and public recognition.