Marmaduque Grove Military, statesman and political figure of Chile Date of Birth: 06.07.1878 Country: Chile

1. Military Career and Early Life
2. Revolutionary Activities and Exile
3. Rise to Power and the Socialist Republic
4. Return to Politics and Late Career

Military Career and Early Life

Marmaduque Grove was a Chilean military officer, politician, and head of the revolutionary military junta of the Socialist Republic of Chile. He received his military education at the Army Academy, graduating as a lieutenant of artillery. During his time at the academy, he befriended Carlos Ibáñez. Additionally, his brother was married to Salvador Allende's sister.

Revolutionary Activities and Exile

In January 1925, Grove played a significant role in a military coup alongside Carlos Ibáñez, reinstating the previously overthrown Arturo Alessandri as president. Following the coup, he served in the governing junta in 1925. However, in 1928, after breaking with Ibáñez's government, he was forced to flee to Argentina. On September 21, 1930, Grove attempted to overthrow Ibáñez, unsuccessfully landing in Concepción in a red-painted airplane and trying to incite a rebellion among the local garrison. He was arrested and exiled to Easter Island but later escaped and made his way to Marseille via Tahiti.

Rise to Power and the Socialist Republic

After Ibáñez's overthrow in 1931, Grove returned to Chile and became Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force. In June 1932, he joined forces with Eugenio Matte and Carlos Dávila to lead a coup that toppled President Juan Esteban Montero. A ruling junta was established, with Grove as its head and the Socialist Republic of Chile declared. Grove also held the position of Minister of War. However, only 12 days into his governance, he was overthrown by Carlos Dávila, who became interim president.

Return to Politics and Late Career

Grove was exiled to Easter Island once again but returned shortly after when Dávila was forced out by another coup. In October 1932, elections were held, and Alessandri regained the presidency. Grove ran in these elections as a candidate of the socialist Revolutionary Movement of the National Left, placing second with 34.7% of the vote. He then served as a senator from 1933-1949. In 1933, he co-founded the Socialist Party of Chile (PSCH), serving as its Secretary-General from 1935-1937 and its Chairman from 1937 onwards. Grove also led the Popular Front from 1938-1940.