Balmaceda's centralizing methods, patronage, and effort to govern without congressional consent fractured his coalition. In 1888 he used official influence to shape legislative elections, yet many politicians returned with his help soon joined the opposition. Chilean ministers normally needed legislative support, but Balmaceda claimed the right to retain his own cabinet and then tried to arrange a friendly successor. When Congress withheld funds, he refused to summon it and declared the previous budget valid for 1891, an act presented here as beyond executive authority. Congressional leaders responded by placing the fleet under War of the Pacific veteran Jorge Montt, and Blanco Encalada carried them north to organize armed resistance.
Chapter · 2:13:54-2:25:12
Why Chile's navy sided with Congress in 1891
President Balmaceda's conflict with Congress became a civil war when the Chilean Navy backed the congressional opposition.