Josц? Manuel Balmaceda (Balmaceda Jos Manuel)

(1840-1891)
Born July 19, 1840 in Santiago. He studied at the seminary. Political career began in 1864 as Secretary of Manuel Montt, statesman, and then President of Chile. In 1881-1886 under President Domingo Santa Maria served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Internal Affairs and promoted the adoption of a number of liberal laws such as the law on civil marriage. In 1886 won the presidential election as the candidate of the Radical bloc, the Liberal and National parties. After the victory over Peru and Bolivia in the 1879-1884 War of the Pacific to Chile lost extensive territory with rich deposits of saltpeter. Revenues from these Balmaceda invested in reform, as well as construction of new schools and hospitals. Balmaceda preached the new ideals in politics and sought to unite all liberal forces under a single party. Efforts to ensure the independence of the judiciary and the democratization of the army. Differences between the legislative and executive branches of government in 1891 resulted in an 8-month civil war. Chilean Navy on the side of parliament, the junta was formed, and Balmaceda was forced to flee. Died Balmaceda Santiago September 19, 1891.