Alessandri Palma, Arturo

born Dec. 20, 1868, Longavi, Chile

died Aug. 24, 1950, Santiago

President of Chile (1920–25, 1932–38).

He was the son of an Italian immigrant, and his election in 1920 represented the urban classes' first successful challenge to Chile's oligarchy. When he defended workers' groups and attempted liberal reforms, he encountered stiff opposition in Congress. A coup led by Carlos Ibáñez forced him into exile, but he was soon recalled and drafted a new constitution that increased the president's power. He became president again in 1932 during the Great Depression, dependent for support on the political right. His declaration of a state of siege in response to widespread strikes cost him his labour and middle-class support.

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▪ president of Chile

born Dec. 20, 1868, Longavi, Chile

died Aug. 24, 1950, Santiago

 Chilean president (1920–25, 1932–38) who early defended workers' groups, especially the nitrate miners of the north, but later, as a member of the Liberal Party, became more conservative.

      The son of an Italian immigrant, Alessandri was graduated in law from the University of Chile in 1893 and in 1897 was elected to the Chamber of Deputies. He was at various times minister of industry, minister of finance, congressman (six times), senator (twice), and president.

      Alessandri was elected president in 1920 as the candidate of a liberal coalition. After growing frustrated with Chile's largely conservative and uncooperative Congress, he voluntarily went into exile on Sept. 15, 1924, upon which the country was ruled by military juntas. He was soon recalled, and on March 20, 1925, he returned on condition that the constitution be rewritten to give the president greater power. He resigned later that year, but became president again in 1932, although this time as a strict constitutionalist, depending on support primarily from the political right. Although he promoted economic recovery from the depression caused by decreased world demands for Chilean nitrates and copper, he had by then alienated most of his labour and middle-class support, who joined the Popular Front. When elected to the Senate in 1946, Alessandri again displayed liberal leanings.

      Alessandri was the founder of a political and economic dynasty that persisted into the 21st century and included his son Jorge Alessandri Rodríguez, who was president of Chile (1958–64). Another son, Fernando, served as a senator and was a presidential candidate. Other family members have also served as senators or as representatives in the Chilean Chamber of Deputies.

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