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Manuel MonttPresident of Chile
Date of Birth: 05.09.1809
Country:  Chile |
Content:
Biography of Manuel Montt
Manuel Montt was a Chilean politician and the president of Chile from 1851 to 1861.
Early Life and Education
Manuel Montt was born on September 5, 1809, in Petorca, Chile. He completed his education at the Law Faculty of the National Institute in Santiago.
Career
After graduating, Montt became the rector of the National Institute from 1835 to 1840. In 1837, he joined the Ministry of the Interior and later served as a deputy in the National Congress. He then became the chairman of the Congress. During Manuel Bulnes' presidency, Montt was appointed as the Minister of the Interior. He held various important positions in the Ministry of Justice.
Presidency
In 1851, Manuel Montt was elected as the president of Chile. He successfully suppressed a rebellion led by the candidate who lost the election. Montt was re-elected for a second term and ruled until 1861. His presidency is considered the most productive in Chile's history.
During his time in office, Montt focused on infrastructure development. He oversaw the construction of roads, including the Santiago-Valparaíso railway, and the expansion of the telegraph network and maritime transportation. His government also encouraged immigration and colonization of the southern regions.
Montt implemented significant reforms during his presidency. He reformed the civil code, replaced the church tithe with an income tax, abolished primogeniture, and established several major banks. He built over 500 schools, which led to Chile ranking first in South America for the level of secondary education.
Later Life and Legacy
After completing his presidential term, Manuel Montt served as the President of the Supreme Court until his death on September 20, 1880. Both of Montt's sons, Jorge (1846–1922) and Pedro (1848–1910), also served as presidents of Chile.
