Chile’s Liberal Republic Era: 1861-1891
The Liberal Republic of Chile (1861-1891)
The Liberal Republic was characterized by the promotion of individual liberties, advocating for limiting the intervention of the state and government in social, economic, and cultural matters.
Key Features and Events
- The Constitution of 1833 limited the powers of the President of the Republic and expanded the National Congress (Parliament).
- Incorporation of new territories: Araucanía region, rivers, lakes, the far north, and Easter Island.
- Resolution of international border issues.
- Enactment of measures to promote international trade and expand the economy.
- The Liberal Republic ended in a civil war in 1891.
Social Groups of the Liberal Republic
- Oligarchy: The wealthy, involved in mining, trade, and finance.
- Middle Class: An emerging group linked to the development of education and the country’s growing economy.
- Workers (Proletariat): A group arising from the mass migration of peasants.
The Church’s political influence diminished, allowing for greater religious freedom.
Secular Laws (1883-1884)
- Burial of corpses (August 1833)
- Civil marriage (January 1884)
- Civil registration law (July 1884)
Territorial Expansion
Chile expanded its territory during this period:
- Magallanes Region: Initially occupied by Chilean and then by Yugoslav forces.
- The Araucanía Region: Occupied by military forces and handed over to Chilean and foreign settlers (French, German, and Italian).
- The region of lakes and rivers: Colonized by Germans with strong state support.
- The North: Exploited by employers.
Presidency of José Manuel Balmaceda
- Elected in 1886.
- Invested heavily in public works: channeling of the Mapocho River, Talcahuano dam, bridges over the Biobío and Laja rivers, Malleco Viaduct, and provision of drinking water to 15 blocks.
- In 1890, the National Congress was closed due to a failure to approve the budget. Balmaceda decided to continue using the previous year’s budget.
- On January 7, 1891, an uprising of the navy led by Jorge Montt against Balmaceda and the army occurred.
- The Battle of Concón and the Battle of Placilla took place in August 1891, with the navy in Valparaíso against the army.
Key Conflicts and Treaties
- Pacification of Araucanía (1861-1883)
- War with Spain (1865-1866)
- Secular Laws (1883)
- War of the Pacific (1879-1883)
- Border Treaty with Argentina (1881)
- Treaties with Peru: Ancón (1883) and Lima (1929)
- Treaties with Bolivia: La Paz (1884) and Treaty of 1904
Presidents of the Liberal Republic
José Joaquín Pérez (1861-1871), Federico Errázuriz Zañartu (1871-1876), Aníbal Pinto (1876-1881), Domingo Santa María (1881-1886), and José Manuel Balmaceda (1886-1891).
Timeline of Key Events
1861: Start of the Occupation of the Araucanía
1863: Fire in the Church of the Company in Santiago
1863: Inauguration of the Santiago-Valparaíso railway
1865-1866: War with Spain
1866: Discovery of nitrate in the Atacama Desert
1870: Discovery of the Chañarcillo silver deposit
1871: Reform of the Constitution of 1833, eliminating presidential reelection
1872: Benjamín Vicuña Mackenna becomes mayor of Santiago, initiating urban modernization projects
1874: Beginning of sheep farming exploitation in Magallanes and coal mining in Coronel (Biobío)
1879-1883: War of the Pacific
1881: Boundary treaty between Chile and Argentina
1883: Completion of the Pacification of the Araucanía
1883: Promulgation of Secular Laws
1888: Foundation of the Catholic University
1888: Easter Island becomes Chilean territory
1890: Inauguration of the Malleco Viaduct
1891: Civil War; President José Manuel Balmaceda commits suicide.