Balmaceda [y Fernandez], Jose Manuel

1840 - Born on the 19th of July in Santiago Chile.

1864 - Entered public life as secretary to former president Manuel Montt.

1878 - He is credited with persuading Argentina not to join the War of the Pacific.

1886 - Balmaceda became President of Chile.

1888 - He faced battles with congress over its demands for the removal of ministers, which eventually led to civil war.

1891 - The conflict led to the Chilean Civil war, Balmaceda's forces were overcome.

         - Balmaceda fled to the Argentinian embassy where he stayed.  

         - Committed suicide 18th of September rather than surrender to the new government.