Juan Esteban Montero facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan Esteban Montero
OMCh
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| 20th President of Chile | |
| In office December 4, 1931 – June 4, 1932 |
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| Succeeded by | Arturo Puga |
| Acting President of Chile | |
| In office November 15, 1931 – December 15, 1931 |
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| Preceded by | Manuel Trucco |
| In office July 27, 1931 – August 20, 1931 |
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| Preceded by | Pedro Opaso |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Trucco |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 12, 1879 Santiago, Chile |
| Died | February 25, 1948 (aged 69) Santiago, Chile |
| Political party | Radical |
| Spouse | Graciela Fehrman Martínez |
| Children |
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| Alma mater | University of Chile |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Juan Esteban Montero Rodríguez (born February 12, 1879 – died February 25, 1948) was an important Chilean political figure. He was the president of Chile two times between 1931 and 1932.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Juan Esteban Montero was born in Santiago on February 12, 1879. His parents were Benjamín Montero and Eugenia Rodríguez.
He went to school at the colegio de San Ignacio. Later, he studied at the Universidad de Chile. He became a lawyer on September 16, 1901. Soon after, he taught law at his university. He also worked as a government lawyer and in his own law practice.
Juan Esteban Montero married Graciela Fehrman Martínez. They had four children: Juan Esteban, Pedro, Benjamín, and Carmen.
Montero's Presidency
Montero first entered politics in 1931. President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo chose him to be the Minister of the Interior. This job is like a country's chief of staff.
After President Ibáñez resigned, Montero became acting president. He quickly called for new presidential elections. He then resigned from this temporary role to run for president himself. Manuel Trucco took over as caretaker president.
The time before the election was difficult. There was a Sailors' mutiny in the navy. Sailors protested against lower salaries. This event showed how unstable the country was.
Winning the Election
Juan Esteban Montero was supported by several political parties. These included the Radical Party, the Liberals, and the Conservatives. He won the presidential election with almost 64% of the votes. He defeated José Santos Salas.
Montero became president on November 15, 1931. Chile was facing big problems. The country was in an economic crisis because of the Wall Street Crash of 1929.
Challenges and Downfall
President Montero tried to fix the economy. He started a plan to save money. This plan included cutting government spending and salaries. He also reduced the number of government workers.
However, these actions did not help the economy. The value of money kept falling, and prices went up. People became very unhappy with the situation.
On June 4, 1932, Colonel Marmaduke Grove led a military takeover. He took control of the Air Force base in Santiago. He demanded that President Montero resign.
Montero chose to resign instead of using the army to stop the takeover. That night, the people who led the takeover formed a new government. After this, Montero left politics completely. He went back to his law practice and business. He passed away in Santiago on February 25, 1948, at 69 years old.
See also
In Spanish: Juan Esteban Montero para niños
- History of Chile
- Norte Grande insurrection
- Government Junta of Chile (1932)
- Socialist Republic of Chile
- List of Chilean coups d'état
