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Salvador Allende is elected President of Chile
On September 4th, 1970, Salvador Allende was elected President of Chile in a congress run-off, as nobody running won majority. Before his election, Allende had been involved in politics for several decades, serving as senator, deputy, and cabinet minister. He also unsuccessfully ran for president three times before winning in 1970: once in 1952, once in 1958, and once in 1964. Allende is famously known as the first Marxist President to be elected through a liberal democracy in Latin America. -
Augusto Pinochet is elected commander-in-chief
On August 23, 1973, Augusto Pinochet, after rapidly rising through military ranks, was elected commander-in-chief of the Chilean Army by Salvador Allende. Pinochet was rated highly and trusted by Allende. However, Pinochet disagreed with Allende's governing style. Many feared that without interference, the tension Allende was causing within Chile would lead to a Civil war. Pinochet knew something needed to be done, and began a plan to overthrow the government and stop the spread of communism. -
Chilean Coup d'état
On September 11th, 1973, 18 days after being elected commander-in-chief, Pinochet led a military coup to overthrow Allende and his government. Early in the day, they compromised many coastal cities as well as news and radio stations. They then shot up the house Salvador Allende was stationed in and forcefully took power after Allende refused to give it up peacefully. The four military leaders initially planned to split the presidency, but Pinochet quickly took over and started his dictatorship. -
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Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship
After claiming power, Augusto Pinochet immediately began his dictatorship. He planned to completely demolish any communism in Chile, as well as anyone who tried to get in the way. A famous quote from Pinochet states that he wanted "to make Chile a country not a nation of proletarians, but a nation of proprietors." His rule cut tariffs, led to the central bank's independence, and more. But his rule was also incredibly inhumane and led to the deaths and injuries of thousands of Chileans. -
The end of Pinochet's dictatorship
After 17 years in power, Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship was put to an end after he held a plebiscite in 1988, asking citizens whether or not they wanted him to remain in power for the next 8 years. After 56% of citizens voted no, Pinochet left his throne, restoring the country to a democratic government in the hands of the next president, Patricio Aylwin. There were celebrations and parades held for the end of these dark times, and a memorial was made for victims and survivors of his rule.