The article, through five different considerations of the topic, analyzes the history, application and significance of the idea of a Second Independence beginning at its source with the romantic thinkers of the 19th Century (Esteban Echeverría, José Victorino Lastarria, Francisco Bilbao); later gaining strength and clarity with José Martí; coming to rest in the Chile of the 60s and the point of view of Salvador Allende. Finally, the current situation and what should be its future validity with a view to the Bicentennial is analyzed.