Chilean Civil War of 1891 ends

Background. The conflict arose from political disagreements between President Balmaceda and the Congress, which became hostile in 1889. Balmaceda's attempt to impose the 1890 budget for 1891 without legislative approval triggered a crisis. Congressional leaders, including Waldo Silva and Ramón Barros Luco, appointed Captain Jorge Montt as commander of the Navy, refusing to recognize Balmaceda's authority, leading to the outbreak of war in January 1891.

Final Military Actions. The war ended with the defeat of the Chilean Army, which supported the president, against the Navy, which sided with Congress. The decisive loss occurred at the Battle of Placilla. This military failure forced President Balmaceda to seek refuge in the Argentine embassy, where he subsequently died by suicide, marking the end of his administration.

Political Transition. Following the victory of the Congressional party, the government of Chile was placed in the hands of a junta. Captain Jorge Montt, who had led the revolutionary committee, acted as the president of the provisional government. This transition established a new political order, often described as the beginning of a 'pseudo-parliamentary' period in Chilean history.