In 1767, a pivotal moment unfolded in Chile when the Spanish Empire took decisive action against the Jesuits, leading to their widespread arrest. This was part of broader efforts initiated by King Charles III of Spain, who viewed the Society of Jesus as a potential threat to his authority and policies in the New World. The Jesuits had established extensive networks in education, agriculture, and indigenous mission work, which made them a significant socio-political player. The order's influence was seen as challenging to the Spanish Crown’s goals of control and coherence throughout its empire.

The crackdown began with the issuance of a royal decree that mandated the expulsion of all Jesuits from Spanish territories. With military precision, Spanish authorities moved to detain members of the Society of Jesus across various locations in Chile, often without formal charges. This violent enforcement surprised many in the region, especially local populations who relied on Jesuit assistance for schooling and health care. The rapidity of the arrests highlighted the intense political climate and the tense relationship between the Church and the Crown during this period.

As the Jesuits were forcibly removed, the order's assets and properties were confiscated, leading to significant socio-economic disruptions in areas where they had been active. The implications of this suppression reached beyond Chile, as it was part of the broader anti-Jesuit sentiment across Spanish territories in the Americas and Europe. The aftermath led to not only the decline of the Society of Jesus's influence but also increased tension between Spanish authorities and those who supported the Jesuits’ mission work in the region.