Jos Balmaceda President of Chile 1886–1891 Date of Birth: 19.07.1840 Country: Chile

1. José Manuel Balmaceda
2. Early Life and Education
3. Political Beginnings
4. Presidency
5. Conflict with the Legislature
6. Defeat and Death

José Manuel Balmaceda

José Manuel Balmaceda was a Chilean statesman and politician who served as the President of Chile from 1886 to 1891.

Early Life and Education

Balmaceda was born on July 19, 1840, in Santiago to an aristocratic family. He studied at the capital's seminary before embarking on a political career.

Political Beginnings

In 1864, Balmaceda became the secretary to Manuel Montt, a prominent statesman who later served as President of Chile. Under President Domingo Santa María Balmaceda served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Interior from 1881 to 1886.

Presidency

In 1886, Balmaceda was elected President as the candidate of the Radical, Liberal, and National parties. Following Chile's victory in the War of the Pacific (1879-1884), Balmaceda inherited a country with vast nitrate-rich territories. He invested the proceeds from these resources into educational, financial, and labor reforms. He also constructed schools and hospitals. Balmaceda advocated for new political ideals and sought to unite liberal forces into a single party.

Conflict with the Legislature

When the parliament began to pressure Balmaceda, he refused to comply and assumed authoritarian powers. The disagreements between the legislative and executive branches escalated into an 8-month civil war in 1891.

Defeat and Death

When the Chilean Navy sided with the parliament and a junta was formed, Balmaceda realized his defeat. He sought refuge in the Argentine embassy, where he died on September 18, 1891.