Government Junta of Chile (1932)
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Government Junta of Chile (June 4, 1932 - July 8, 1932) (also known as the Government Junta of the Socialist Republic or Socialist Junta), was a political structure established during the anarchy (1931 - 1932) that followed the resignation of President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo. It proclaimed the Socialist Republic of Chile. The short-lived state ended with the election of Arturo Alessandri as new president of Chile.


Creation

On July 26, 1931, President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo resigned, following the economic crisis caused by the market crash of 1929. The office was assumed by the president of the Senate,
Pedro Opazo Letelier Pedro Opaso Letelier (July 20, 1876 – April 9, 1957) was a Chilean politician and provisional vice president of Chile in 1931. He was born in Talca, the son of Ursicino Opaso and Margarita Letelier. He completed his studies in his native city ...
, who promptly himself resigned (the very next morning) after naming
Juan Esteban Montero Juan Esteban Montero Rodríguez (February 12, 1879 – February 25, 1948) was a Chilean political figure. He served twice as president of Chile between 1931 and 1932. Early life He was born in Santiago, the son of Benjamín Montero and of Eug ...
as his successor. Montero, as a way out of the political impasse, immediately called for presidential elections. In the meanwhile he assumed as Vice President. Since Montero was constitutionally banned from standing as a candidate while still in office, as a way out of the political impasse, and in order to qualify, he resigned his vice-presidency effective on August 20, 1931. The position was assumed by
Manuel Trucco Manuel Trucco Franzani (March 18, 1875 – October 25, 1954) was a Chilean politician and provisional vice president of Chile in 1931. He was born in Cauquenes, the son of Napoleón Trucco Morano and of María Franzani Monigette. He completed ...
as Vice President. The
presidential elections A presidential election is the election of any head of state whose official title is President. Elections by country Albania The president of Albania is elected by the Assembly of Albania who are elected by the Albanian public. Chile The pr ...
finally took place on October 4, 1931, with
Juan Esteban Montero Juan Esteban Montero Rodríguez (February 12, 1879 – February 25, 1948) was a Chilean political figure. He served twice as president of Chile between 1931 and 1932. Early life He was born in Santiago, the son of Benjamín Montero and of Eug ...
as the clear winner. He took over again in the midst of a political and economic chaos. His program called for the implementation of an austerity program that involved the reduction of public expenditures and public salaries, a downsizing of the public administration and an increase of the foreign debt. Notwithstanding these harsh measures, the depreciation of the currency continued, and inflation soared while the Central Bank reserves were at an all-time low. This economic program only managed to cause widespread discontent, while in no way improving the economy, and in turn led to his downfall. There were three principal groups of critics against Montero's policies: one headed by journalist
Carlos Dávila Carlos Gregorio Dávila Espinoza (September 15, 1887 – October 19, 1955), was a Chilean political figure, journalist, chairman of the Government Junta of Chile in 1932, and secretary general of the Organization of American States (OAS) from 1 ...
, another (socialist) headed by Air Commodore
Marmaduque Grove Marmaduke Grove Vallejo (; July 6, 1878 – May 15, 1954), his name erroneously spelled Marmaduque Grobeh, was a Chilean Air Force officer, political figure and member of the Government Junta of the Socialist Republic of Chile in 1932. Early lif ...
, and the third, known as the NAP (''New Public Association'') headed by
Eugenio Matte Eugenio is an Italian and Spanish masculine given name deriving from the Greek ' Eugene'. The name is Eugénio in Portuguese and Eugênio in Brazilian Portuguese. The name's translated literal meaning is well born, or of noble status. Similar de ...
(of socialist orientation also.) On June 4, 1932, the Air Force, under the leadership of Commodore Grove, rebelled against the government, causing the immediate resignation of President Montero, and the proclamation of the Socialist Republic of Chile. The executive power was vested in a Government Junta made up of General
Arturo Puga General Arturo Puga Osorio (1879 – 28 April 1970) was a Chilean military officer and the chairman of the Government Junta in 1932. On June 4, 1932, he became chairman of the Government Junta that was established after the resignation of Pre ...
(in representation of the military party), Carlos Dávila and Eugenio Matte.


Members


History

As soon as the Junta took power, they decreed the dissolution of Congress, and a series of measures of social character. From the beginning, this Junta captivated the public support, but soon it became apparent that there was no unity within it. Only a week and a half later, on June 13, Dávila resigned, and was replaced by Rolando Merino Reyes. Three days later, Dávila managed to replace General Puga, and the other members, with himself, Pedro Nolasco Cárdenas and
Alberto Cabero Alberto Cabero Díaz (20 March 1874 – 13 October 1955) was a Chilean politician, President of the Chilean Senate and Member of Government Junta in 1932. He was a member of the Radical Party. He was born in Santiago, the son of Telésforo ...
. Public order was reestablished, but it gave way to a regime whose only support was force. On July 8, Dávila dissolved the Junta and assumed power as “Provisional President”. He called new congressional elections, and adopted a new batch of measures to solve the economic crisis. Nonetheless, the opposition to his rule was increasing daily, and finally was forced to resign on September 13, 1932, handing power to General
Bartolomé Blanche Bartolomé Guillermo Blanche Espejo (June 6, 1879 – June 10, 1970) was a Chilean military officer and provisional president of Chile in 1932. Life He was born in La Serena, Coquimbo Region, where he completed his early studies. Later, he was ...
.


See also

* History of Chile * List of Government Juntas of Chile *
List of Chilean coups d'état This is a list of the coups d'état (both plots, failed and successful attempts and armed conflicts) that have taken place in Chile, during its independent history. The 1973 Chilean coup d'état stands out being the last one as well as one of th ...
*
List of Heads of State This is a list of current heads of state and heads of government. In some cases, mainly in presidential systems, there is only one leader being both head of state and head of government. In other cases, mainly in semi-presidential and parliament ...


External links


History of the Socialist Junta
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Historical Analysis of the Military Coups in Chile
Socialism in Chile Government of Chile Presidential Republic (1925–1973) 1932 establishments in Chile 1932 disestablishments in Chile Military dictatorships