Chilean History: Trustees' Rights, Bulnes, Montt, and 1859 Revolution

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Rights of Trustees

The Rights of Trustees consist of a series of privileges that the church founders concede to a sacred place and their successors. These privileges include the right of presentation, the right of honorific preference, and, in case of indigence, the right of sustenance.

The Bulnes Government

Key figures of the Bulnes era include:

  • José Joaquín Vallejo, national founder of the literary society.
  • José Victorino Lastarria, author of "Memories of the Past."
  • Eusebio Lillo, author of the national anthem.

Foundations during this period:

  • Normal School of Preceptors, with Domingo Faustino Sarmiento.
  • Art School, with Alejandro Ciccarelli.
  • School of Architecture, with Francisco Brunet de Baines.

The Government of Manuel Montt Torres (1851-1861)

The 1851 Revolution began in Concepción, led by José María de la Cruz. Its goal was to secure individual rights and prevent Montt's candidacy. Conservative and liberal forces clashed in the Battle of Loncomilla (December 1851), where Montt managed to subdue the revolutionary forces. As a result of the revolution, and to avoid further uprisings, the government became authoritarian, with the president using his extraordinary powers.

Cultural Development

In 1860, the Organic Law of Primary Instruction was established. Public works continued to grow, with new rail routes inaugurated and existing ones expanded:

  • Copiapó-Caldera Railroad
  • Santiago-Valparaíso Railroad
  • Construction of the Southern Railroad (Santiago-Talca)

Colonization of Llanquihue

In 1853, Puerto Montt was founded, and the settlement of the area began.

Economic Developments

The Tamaya copper mine was discovered in 1852, making Chile the world's leading copper producer. In 1860, the Broadcast Act allowed banks to issue banknotes up to 150% of their capital. This led to the introduction of paper money in the country, benefiting trade and leading to the rise of prominent families like the Ossas and the Edwards. The first banks were established in Santiago and Valparaíso.

The Economic Crisis of 1858-1861

The crisis was caused by the decline of the Chañarcillo silver mine and the loss of markets in California and Australia. Valparaíso was no longer the main port of the Pacific, leading to the bankruptcy of some banks. During this period, the Civil Code was drafted. The Sacristan Question, a church-state conflict, arose when a sacristan of the cathedral was expelled by the parish priest but was reinstated by the Supreme Court. This led to a division within the Conservative Party, with supporters of the sacristan becoming known as the "Nationals" and those against him as the "Conservatives."

The Revolution of 1859

There was strong opposition to President Montt and the candidacy of his minister and friend, Antonio Varas. Pedro León Gallo, a wealthy miner, rebelled in the north (Copiapó), and the revolt spread. Two clashes occurred:

  • Los Loros, where Gallo was victorious.
  • Cerro Grande, where he was defeated by government forces.

Antonio Varas resigned his candidacy to avoid a civil war, weakening the government, which then saw the Conservatives join forces with the Liberals.

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