Chilean Coup of 1973

Definition

The Chilean Coup of 1973 was a military overthrow of the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende on September 11, 1973. This coup marked a significant shift in Chilean politics, leading to a military dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet and the implementation of neoliberal economic reforms that reshaped the nation’s economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The coup was backed by the United States government, which sought to prevent the spread of socialism in Latin America during the Cold War.
2. Allende’s presidency was characterized by efforts to nationalize industries and implement social reforms, which faced opposition from conservative sectors and the military.
3. Pinochet's regime led to severe repression, including the arrest, torture, and disappearance of thousands of political opponents.
4. The economic reforms introduced by Pinochet's government were influenced by the Chicago Boys, a group of economists who advocated for neoliberal policies.
5. The coup set a precedent for military intervention in Latin American politics and contributed to a wave of similar coups in the region during the 1970s and 1980s.

Review Questions

• What were the key factors that led to the Chilean Coup of 1973, and how did they reflect broader tensions in Latin American politics at the time?
  • The key factors leading to the Chilean Coup included deep political polarization within Chile, economic instability, and external pressures from the United States. Allende's socialist policies, such as nationalization and land reform, created strong opposition from conservative sectors and business interests. These tensions reflected a broader struggle in Latin America between leftist movements advocating for social change and authoritarian regimes supported by foreign powers seeking to maintain influence in the region.
• Analyze the immediate consequences of the Chilean Coup on both domestic politics and international relations in Latin America.
  • The immediate consequences of the Chilean Coup included the establishment of a military dictatorship under Pinochet, which resulted in widespread human rights abuses and repression of dissent. Domestically, political parties were banned, and civil liberties were severely curtailed. In terms of international relations, the coup was seen as a U.S.-backed effort to contain socialism in Latin America, leading to increased support for similar authoritarian regimes throughout the region, creating a climate of fear and repression.
• Evaluate how the Chilean Coup of 1973 has influenced contemporary discussions about democracy and human rights in Latin America.
  • The Chilean Coup has significantly impacted contemporary discussions surrounding democracy and human rights in Latin America by highlighting the dangers of military intervention in politics and the fragility of democratic institutions. It serves as a cautionary tale about authoritarianism's potential rise under external influences and internal divisions. The legacy of Pinochet's regime continues to shape current debates on accountability, truth commissions, and reparations for victims of state violence, emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights and fostering democratic governance across the region.

Related terms

Augusto Pinochet: The military leader who became the dictator of Chile after the coup, ruling from 1973 to 1990, known for human rights violations and significant economic changes.

Salvador Allende: The first Marxist to be elected president in a country with a liberal democracy, whose government was marked by socialist reforms before the coup.

Neoliberalism: An economic policy model that emphasizes free markets, deregulation, and reduction in government spending, which was heavily implemented in Chile post-coup.