The Chilean Coup of September 11, 1973

On September 11, 1973, a pivotal and tragic event unfolded in Chilean history when a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet overthrew the democratically elected President Salvador Allende. This coup marked the beginning of a brutal military dictatorship that lasted until 1990.

Background

Salvador Allende, a socialist, was elected President of Chile in 1970. His government embarked on a series of ambitious reforms aimed at redistributing wealth and nationalizing key industries, including copper, which was a significant part of Chile’s economy. These policies, however, led to economic instability, inflation, and shortages of goods, creating significant unrest and polarization within Chilean society.

The United States, concerned about the spread of socialism in Latin America during the Cold War, was opposed to Allende’s government. The Nixon administration, through the CIA, engaged in covert operations to destabilize Allende’s presidency, including funding opposition groups and promoting economic disruption.

The Coup

On the morning of September 11, 1973, the Chilean military, led by General Augusto Pinochet, launched a coup against Allende’s government. The military took control of key installations in the capital, Santiago, and surrounded the presidential palace, La Moneda.

President Allende, refusing to surrender, delivered a final radio address to the nation, affirming his commitment to Chilean democracy and his refusal to resign. As the military bombarded La Moneda, Allende reportedly took his own life, though the exact circumstances of his death remain a subject of debate.

Aftermath

Following the coup, Pinochet established a military junta and assumed the role of head of state. His regime was characterized by severe human rights abuses, including the detention, torture, and disappearance of thousands of Chileans. Political parties were banned, and censorship was imposed.

Pinochet’s economic policies, often referred to as “neoliberal,” were implemented with the guidance of the “Chicago Boys,” a group of Chilean economists trained at the University of Chicago. These policies included privatization, deregulation, and opening up Chile to foreign investment, which led to economic growth but also increased inequality.

Historical Significance

The coup in Chile had profound implications both domestically and internationally. It highlighted the intense ideological battles of the Cold War era and the lengths to which the United States would go to prevent the spread of socialism in its hemisphere. The Pinochet regime’s human rights abuses became a focal point for international human rights advocacy.

The transition to democracy began in the late 1980s, culminating in a national plebiscite in 1988, where Chileans voted against extending Pinochet’s rule. In 1990, Pinochet stepped down, and Chile returned to democratic governance.

The legacy of the 1973 coup continues to influence Chilean politics and society, as the country grapples with issues of justice, memory, and reconciliation related to the dictatorship’s human rights violations.