Chilean Politics: Conservative and Liberal Republics (1831-1891)
Conservative Political Project (1831-1861)
In 1830, the two most important political factions in Chile, conservatives and liberals, clashed militarily at Lircay. During this period of political learning, these differences and their opposing projects for the country led to the triumph of the conservatives. This marked the beginning of a period of great change in Chile, known as the Conservative Republic.
Presidents and Their Governments:
- 1831-1841: José Joaquín Prieto
- 1841-1851: Manuel Bulnes
- 1851-1861: Manuel Montt
Ideas and Role of Don Diego Portales
The figure of Portales has been controversial. While some historians consider him the creator of the Republic, others view him as a dictator. Born into a traditional family, he was devoted to business. By 1829, he assumed political prominence after the civil war. The *Pelucones* asked liberals to take over as minister of various portfolios: Interior, Foreign Affairs, War, and Navy, under the newly elected president, Don José Joaquín Prieto.
On the forms of exercising power, he believed that prudence and firmness were the most useful ways to govern. He stated that fair and timely specific aspects cure any people. Regarding the political system, he advocated for a strong, centralized Republic, where men are paragons of virtue and patriotism, straightening citizens on the path of order and virtue.
What was the work of Andrés de Santa Cruz in 1836, and how did it affect Chile?
In 1836, Andrés de Santa Cruz, Bolivia’s president, formed a political alliance with Peru, creating the Peru-Bolivian Confederation. He held ultimate authority over both countries. Chile unexpectedly faced a powerful neighbor with expansionist aspirations, proposing the annexation of Ecuador, part of Argentina, and Chile.
Reasons for Deteriorating Relations
The relationship between Chile and Peru was damaged due to various causes, including the non-payment of a loan requested by Chile from England to finance the expedition to liberate Peru and the taxes imposed by Peru on goods shipped to Valparaíso.
Opinions About the Dissolution of the Confederation
“The Confederation must disappear forever from the scene of America. For its geographical extent, for its mostly white population, for the joint wealth of Peru and Bolivia.”
What actions did Chilean General Ramón Freire take against Chile?
Chilean General Ramón Freire, a liberal exiled in Peru, organized an expedition to defeat the prevailing conservatism in Chile. The government saw this as a clear intervention by Santa Cruz.
Results in Relation to the Intervention of Andrés de Santa Cruz
- Peru arrests the Chilean *encargado de negocios* in Lima.
- Chile declares war and demands the immediate dissolution of the Confederation.
What effects did the war initially produce in Chile?
The war caused a major upset among Chileans, especially due to the conscription of soldiers. The country was not prepared economically or militarily for war.
The Murder of Portales
Portales was taken prisoner to Valparaíso, where he was shot. The culprits were executed, and Portales was given state funerals, causing a great impact on the country.
What was the significance of the conflict?
Besides increasing Chile’s international prestige and strengthening the commercial hegemony of Valparaíso, the main consequence was the consolidation of a sense of Chilean nationality. In many cities, popular icons emerged, and an anthem was created in honor of the victors of Yungay. The most popular writer of this period was José Zapiola.
Executive: President of the Republic
- Served 5-year terms with immediate reelection.
- Appointed ministers and government officials, including mayors.
- Intervened in the appointment of judges.
- Commanded the armed forces.
- Enjoyed extraordinary powers in case of internal unrest.
- Exercised the right of patronage.
- Could veto laws passed by Congress.
Legislative: Chamber of Deputies and Senators
- Issued decrees and regulations necessary for the implementation of laws.
- Dictated periodic laws regarding the armed forces, the budget, and contributions.
- Provided ministerial interpretations.
Citizenship and Society
- Indirect voting system.
- Official state religion: Roman Catholic, excluding the public exercise of any other.
Conservative Period
Economy
Which cities benefited?
Valparaíso and Santiago.
How did urban crafts become enriched?
Urban artisans experienced a transformation with the addition of foreigners, especially Europeans, who brought new techniques and enabled an upgrade in production.
What happened to public finances?
Public finances continued with a chronic deficit, which had to be covered with loans contracted from Europe.
Characterize agriculture
Agriculture remained the backbone of the economy, with the *hacienda* as the productive core.
Mining: Significant growth between 1830 and 1840.
Significant progress in materials: Creation of industries (1843), first steamship lines (1843), first railroad (1859), and first boat (1850).
Education and Culture
What happened to culture in the 1830s and 1840s in Chile?
In the 1830s and 1840s, cultural influences diversified with the arrival of many foreigners who settled in Chile. One of the most prominent was Andrés Bello.
Describe the Literary Society of 1842
In 1842, the Literary Society was created, bringing together the most select of the liberal youth of the day, such as Francisco Bilbao, José Victorino Lastarria, Eusebio Lillo, and Aníbal Pinto.
Arrival of French Literature in Chile
French and European literature arrived in Chile. Alphonse de Lamartine’s *History of the Girondins* had a strong influence on the socio-cultural youth of the era. This, coupled with the outbreak of the liberal revolution of 1848 in France and its ideals of political liberalism, nationalism, egalitarianism, rationalism, freedom of the press, and republicanism, led to a cult following of these works.
Liberal Period (1861-1891)
To understand the importance of the Liberal Republic in Chile, it is necessary to understand its definition. Liberalism, a political doctrine of European origin, achieved wide coverage among the Chilean ruling class. It held the principle of individual freedom against the state and the imposition of reason over religious belief.
The action of liberalism focused on reforming the 1833 Constitution. This helped strengthen the power of Congress over the executive. In religious affairs, it sought to gain ground against Catholicism in aspects related to state functions or significant power over civil society. This is known as secularism.
Secularism: Religious institutions lose power, giving contributions to the state.
José Joaquín Prieto
They came to power supported by all parties and all persons anxious for calm after the turmoil of civil war.