Chilean coup of 1973

Definition

The Chilean coup of 1973 was a military overthrow of the democratically elected socialist government of President Salvador Allende on September 11, 1973. This event marked a significant turning point in Chilean history, leading to years of dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet and influencing the development of protest music in Latin America, particularly within the Nueva Canción movement that aimed to address social injustices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The coup was supported by the United States government, which sought to prevent the spread of socialism in Latin America during the Cold War.
2. Allende's presidency lasted from 1970 until his death during the coup, which was marked by intense political polarization in Chile.
3. Following the coup, a climate of fear was established, with thousands of Chileans being arrested, tortured, or disappeared under Pinochet's regime.
4. Protest music in Chile became a vital tool for resistance, with artists using their songs to critique the regime and promote human rights.
5. The aftermath of the coup saw the rise of Nueva Canción artists like Victor Jara, whose music embodied the struggles and aspirations of the Chilean people during this oppressive period.

Review Questions

• How did the Chilean coup of 1973 influence the development of protest music within the Nueva Canción movement?
  • The Chilean coup of 1973 had a profound impact on protest music within the Nueva Canción movement as musicians responded to the political repression and human rights abuses that followed. Artists began to create songs that highlighted social injustices and served as a means of resistance against Pinochet's dictatorship. This movement not only preserved cultural identity but also galvanized public sentiment against oppression, making music an essential tool for activism during this turbulent time.
• In what ways did Salvador Allende's policies contribute to the circumstances leading up to the Chilean coup of 1973?
  • Salvador Allende's policies focused on significant social reforms, including nationalizing key industries such as copper mining and redistributing land. While these initiatives aimed to reduce inequality and improve living standards for marginalized populations, they also polarized Chilean society and faced strong opposition from conservative sectors. The economic challenges that ensued, coupled with political tensions, created an environment ripe for a military coup, ultimately resulting in Allende's overthrow.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Chilean coup of 1973 on Chilean society and its cultural landscape.
  • The long-term effects of the Chilean coup of 1973 are evident in various aspects of Chilean society and culture. The dictatorship left a legacy marked by human rights violations and trauma among survivors, shaping collective memory and national identity. In terms of cultural impact, artists like Victor Jara became symbols of resistance through their music, inspiring future generations. The suppression of dissent also led to a resurgence of protest art in the following decades, demonstrating how music and art continue to reflect societal struggles and advocate for justice in post-dictatorship Chile.

Related terms

Salvador Allende: The first Marxist to be elected president in a country with a liberal democracy, Allende's government focused on nationalizing key industries and implementing social reforms.

Nueva Canción: A musical movement that emerged in Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by its focus on social justice, political activism, and the cultural identity of Latin American peoples.

Augusto Pinochet: A Chilean general who led the coup and subsequently ruled as a dictator from 1973 to 1990, known for human rights abuses and economic reforms that favored free-market policies.