Arturo Alessandri

Arturo Alessandri Palma was a major political figure in Chile during the early 20th century.

He was a member of the Liberal Party and a powerful reformer. Alessandri served as the president of Chile during three distinct periods. His first term lasted from 1920 to 1924. He then served a shorter term from March to October 1925. Finally, he led the nation again from 1932 to 1938. He is remembered for his efforts to empower the executive branch and support the working class.

Alessandri was born on December 20, 1868. His grandfather, Pietro Allesandri Tarzi, was an immigrant from Tuscany, Italy.

Alessandri studied law at the University of Chile after attending Sacred Hearts High School. He began his political career in 1897 as a representative for Curicó. He held this position for nearly 20 years. In 1915, he won a difficult election for the Senate in Tarapacá Province. This victory earned him the famous nickname, "León de Tarapacá," or the Lion of Tarapacá.

His first presidency was marked by intense conflict between the president and Congress. Alessandri campaigned with great energy and promised sweeping reforms for workers. However, the conservative-controlled National Congress refused to pass his proposed laws. This political paralysis led to a crisis in September 1924. A group of 56 military officers protested their low salaries in an event called the *ruido de sables*, or "saber-rattling."

Following this, a military committee demanded specific changes, including a labor code and income tax laws. Alessandri felt he had become a pawn of the military and resigned. He sought asylum at the US Embassy and traveled to Italy.

Political shifts eventually led to Alessandri's return to power. A progressive wing of the military helped organize a movement for his return. In January 1925, a coup occurred, leading to the January Junta. This group eventually handed power back to Alessandri on March 20, 1925.

During this second administration, he introduced a new Constitution. On August 30, 1925, 134,421 voters approved this document in a plebiscite. The new Constitution strengthened the president's authority over the legislature. He also established a Central Bank to manage the nation's finances.

Alessandri's second term faced significant social and political challenges. His government dealt with various violent incidents, including the Marusia and La Coruña massacres. To protect his administration from potential coups, he relied on republican forces. These forces functioned both secretly and publicly, marching in a large parade on May 7, 1933. The political climate was also affected by the rise of the National Socialist Movement of Chile. These movements created a period of great instability and tension within the country.

In the economic sector, Alessandri worked to recover from the crisis of 1929. His Treasury Minister, Gustavo Ross, implemented a "towards in" approach to economic growth.

Ross managed the fiscal deficit through new taxes and resumed external debt payments. The government also reorganized the nitrate industry by creating COVENSA. When the government achieved a surplus, it funded major public works. A notable achievement was the construction of the National Stadium in Santiago, which opened in December 1938.

Even after leaving the presidency, Alessandri remained a vital part of Chilean politics. He served as a Senator and was eventually elected President of the Senate. He played a major role in the presidential elections of 1942 and 1946. His political legacy continued through his family members. His son, Fernando Alessandri, also served as president. His other son, Jorge Alessandri, was president from 1958 to 1964. Arturo Alessandri died on August 24, 1950, at the age of 82.