From political innovation to social innovation: the Union Club of Santiago

Abstract

The clubs appeared in England in 18th century. The term "club" refers to a integrated group of people with common interests who meet formally and share a determined objective. The French adopted this model from England to intervene in the politics after the fall of the Luis Felipe Monarchy and foundation of the Second Republic of 1848. In the mid-19th century, forming a club was a new method of political organisation; an innovation that crossed the Atlantic and established itself firmly in the political system of Chile during the same period. The theme of our analysis, the Union Club of Santiago, featured these characteristics since its founding, constituting a model that the Spanish-Basque Aristocracy used to modify the existing political order in Chile. It was not the first political club established in the capital but certainly it was the only one having members with opposing viewpoints; a tendency which was maintained as the political objectives were successfully achieved and then later as the organisation became more of a social club. It should be added that the doors of the club were first opened in 1864 and they still remain open today. As an agent of innovation, the Union Club of Santiago played an important role in the political and social life of the mid-19th in Chile. This role is what we try to unveil in this analysis.