Chile's first Portalian president is General Joaquin Prieto Vial, who serves two terms (1831-36, 1836-41).

President Prieto has four main accomplishments: implementation of the 1833 constitution, stabilization of government finances, defeat of provincial challenges to central authority, and victory over the Peru-Bolivia Confederation.

During the presidencies of Prieto and his two successors, Chile modernizes through the construction of ports, railroads, and telegraph lines, some built by United States entrepreneur William Wheelwright.

These innovations facilitate the export-import trade as well as domestic commerce.