Depreciation and Educational Potential of a “Picturesque” Historical Event: The King of Araucanía, Orelie-Antoine de Tounens, in History, Geography, and Social Sciences Textbooks from 1981 to 2022

Abstract

Chilean History, Geography, and Social Sciences textbooks published between 1981 and 2022 were analysed to determine the didactic treatment of Orelie-Antoine de Tounens or the King of Araucanía in primary and secondary education. The sources underwent both
quantitative and qualitative content analysis. The results indicate that, despite the King of
Araucanía holding explanatory potential grounded in local, political, and biographical historical
principles, educational materials have not capitalized on such utilities. Orelie-Antoine’s
life not only allows for an understanding of the causes of the Chilean occupation of Araucanía
in the second half of the 19th century and its ongoing consequences but also of the
issues related to European imperialism and the Mapuche people. Taking advantage of these
educational benefits may be crucial in addressing a controversial aspect of Chilean history,
demanding complex, diverse, and contextualized explanations.