Balmaceda, José Manuel (1840–1891)

Chilean president 1886–91. He inaugurated a vast reform programme including education, railways, communications, and public utilities, and invested revenue from Chile's nitrate fields in public works. The volatility of this key market led him to denounce foreign interests in Chile.

Balmaceda entered public life 1864 as secretary to former president Manuel Montt. As minister of the interior after 1882 he sponsored a number of liberal reforms, including civil marriage. From 1888 he faced battles with congress over its demands for the removal of ministers, which eventually led to civil war. Forced out of the presidency by political opponents, he committed suicide in the Argentine embassy.