The Chilean rebellion also attracts British entrepreneurs worried by Balmaceda's threat to encroach on the independence and revenues of the foreign-owned nitrate mines.

Although not opposed to foreign investment, Balmaceda had proposed a greater role for the state and higher taxes in the mining sector.

Tension had mounted because nitrate sales are in a slump, a recurring problem because of the volatility of that commodity's price on international markets.

The most famous British mine owner is John North, the "nitrate king," who is angry that his nitrate railroad monopoly has been terminated by Balmaceda.

The United States, although not directly involved, supports Balmaceda as the legal president.