Montes, Ismael (1861–1933)

Bolivian liberal politician and president 1904–09 and 1913–17. His first term in office was marked by administrative reform and a rise in the success of, and support for, the Liberal Party. After serving as president, Montes was active in the diplomatic service and in 1913 stood for a second term in office. In his second term, Montes instituted a major capital-investment programme to improve the nation's railway infrastructure. In 1914, a two-party system was conceived, and a new party formed – the liberal-aligned Republican party.

Monte fought in the War of the Pacific in 1879. He served as war minister in 1900, during which time he was involved in resolving the territorial dispute with Brazil over Acre state with the Treaty of Petrópolis of 1903. His election to president in 1904, coincided with the signing of the peace treaty that ended the War of the Pacific.

On leaving office in 1917, Montes left Bolivia for France and remained there until 1928.