Chilean Liberal Era: Presidents, Reforms, and the 1891 Revolution
José Joaquín Pérez Mascayano (1861-1866)
Elected with broad support, Pérez aimed to restore calm after the 1859 civil war, issuing an amnesty law in 1861. His administration saw the rise of the Radical Party, advocating for constitutional reform and secular education. A liberal-conservative fusion formed, leading to the War with Spain (1865-1866). Pérez was reelected (1866-1871), focusing on infrastructure: police organization, telegraph expansion, road and railway construction (including the Santiago-Valparaiso line), and consolidating German settlements in southern Chile.
In 1865, religious freedom was legally established. A constitutional amendment in 1871 prohibited presidential reelection, ending the ‘presidential decades’.
Major Constitutional Reforms in the Liberal Period
Federico Errázuriz Zañartu (1871-1876)
Errazuriz, a clear liberal, initially had conservative support, but this alliance dissolved due to disagreements on education and Church influence. Key measures affecting the Church included: optional religious education in state schools (1873), a new Penal Code impacting clergy (1875), and the abolition of ecclesiastical courts (1876).
Constitutional reforms in 1874 expanded Congress’s powers and restricted the executive’s, including limiting presidential emergency powers, establishing incompatibility between public and legislative offices, and modifying the Conservative Committee’s composition.
Other significant changes included: reduced quorum in Congress, senatorial elections by province, simplified impeachment process for ministers, reduced residency time for citizenship, and the establishment of assembly, association, and education rights.
Errázuriz’s government oversaw extensive railway construction, electoral system reforms, and modernization projects in Santiago and other cities. However, the end of his term was marked by a deep economic crisis.
Aníbal Pinto Garmendia (1876-1881)
Pinto faced an exacerbated economic crisis, leading to new taxes, spending cuts, and the issuance of inconvertible banknotes. Border disputes arose with Argentina (Patagonia) and with Peru and Bolivia, culminating in the Pacific War (1879).
Despite the war, significant legislation was passed, including allowing women access to professional degrees, organizing secondary and tertiary education, and removing the state snuff monopoly.
Domingo Santa María González (1881-1886)
Santa María’s early years focused on the Pacific War and pacifying the Araucanía. His administration was marked by controversial parliamentary elections and the implementation of secular reforms, including the Lay Cemetery Act (1883), Civil Marriage Act (1884), and Civil Registration Act (1884). Political reforms included the Presidential Veto (1882), changes to the internal system, and electoral reform (1884) expanding suffrage.
Significant social and public works were undertaken, including hospitals, orphanages, railway expansion, and infrastructure development.
José Manuel Balmaceda (1886-1891)
Balmaceda created the Ministry of Public Works (1887), leading to extensive infrastructure projects: Mapocho River channeling, Talcahuano drydock, roads, piers, public buildings, and over a thousand kilometers of railway lines, including the trans-Andean Railroad. He also expanded drinking water access and constructed educational and public health facilities.
Balmaceda aimed to unite liberal factions but faced strong opposition, culminating in the formation of the ‘Quadrilateral’ political opposition. The power struggle between Congress and the president led to a crisis.
The 1891 Revolution
Congressional opposition to Balmaceda’s policies and authoritarianism, coupled with the dispute over his successor, led to a constitutional crisis. Congress delayed the budget law and pushed for ministerial changes. Balmaceda’s decree to govern with the previous year’s budget was deemed unconstitutional, leading to his removal from office by Congress.
The Navy revolted in support of Congress, leading to the Chilean Civil War. The insurgents established a Governing Board in Iquique, while Balmaceda established a dictatorship. Key battles included Dolores, Huara, Iquique Customs, Pozo Almonte, and naval battles at Caldera and Calderillas.
The revolution culminated in the battles of Concón and Placilla. Balmaceda took refuge in the Argentine legation and committed suicide on September 19, 1891. The revolution marked the end of the presidential republic and the beginning of the parliamentary republic, characterized by increased congressional power and abuses.