José Balta
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José Balta (1816 – 1872) was president of Peru from 1868 to 1872. In 1865 he aided Mariano Ignacio Prado seizure the presidency and served in his government. In 1867, he in turn overthrew Prado. As president, he re-established constitutional rule and undertook vast schemes for internal improvement. He granted a monopoly of guano export to a French company and obtained large loans in Europe, yet the lavish expenditures of his administration plunged Peru deep in debt. Balta was deposed and shot. He was succeeded by Manuel Pardo.