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Chile experiences mass inflation
Between the 1950s and 1970s, Chile experienced extremely high rates of inflation, averaging 36% per year. This inflation lead to severe economic stratification in Chile. -
Presidential elections of 1970
The election between Salvador Allende, Jorge Alessandri, and Radomiro Tomic lead to a plurality, with no candidate receiving more than 50% of the vote. Under election law at the time, this meant that the National Congress of Chile would act as the tiebreaker between the two most voted for candidates. They began deliberations.
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Nixon Plans to Overthrow Allende
Nixon authorizes $10 million in funds for the CIA in order to remove Allende should he win the presidency. Some of this support was provided to Viaux in his attempt to kidnap Schneider.
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René Schneider is killed
René Schneider, commander of the Chilean army, is shot and killed while resisting a kidnapping attempt by Roberto Viaux. Schneider refused to interfere in the election, while Viaux attempted to start a coup in order to prevent the election of Allende. Public and military opinion of Allende became more favorable as a result of this event
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Carlos Prats replaces Schneider
Carlos Prats is named by President Eduardo Frei Montalva as the new Commander in Chief of the Chilean army, taking Schneider's place.
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Salvador Allende takes office
After the final congressional decision, Allende is named President of Chile. He gained votes from the Christian Democrats by signing a Statute of Constitutional Guarantees, promising to not undermine the constitution of Chile.
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La Vía Chilena al Socialismo
"The Chilean way to socialism" - Allende begins implementing plans to nationalize major industries (including copper and coal mining), a national plan to provide milk for children, land redistribution, increased wages and pensions.
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Hyperinflation Returns
With a severe drop in the price of copper, Chile's main export, and an increase in imports, Chile once again began experiencing runaway inflation. Economic sanctions also impacted the country's ability to acquire machinery and equipment needed for mining and manufacturing. -
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Allende Negotiates with the Christian Democrats
The Allende government attempts to negotiate with the Christian Democrats, representing more moderate interests, in regards to regulation of nationalized companies. After the breakdown of these negotiations, more conservative members took control over the Christian Democrats, who allied with the right-wing National Party. Polarization between these parties and Allende's Unidad Popular increased. -
"Bosses' Strikes" Begin
Strikes of middle class workers began occurring in protest of worsening economic conditions and the redistributive policies of the Allende government.
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The Tanquetazo
A coup was attempted, lead by military officer Roberto Souper. After plotting with other high ranking military officials, six tanks and a large group of soldiers opened fire on the Presidential Palace and the Ministry of Defense. The coup was unsuccessful, but was a direct predecessor to the coup that would end Allende's presidency.
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The Chamber of Deputies Calls on the Military
The Chamber of Deputies, Chile's lower house of Congress, voted in favor of a resolution which called upon the military to restore order after "breaches of the Constitution " -
The Coup Occurrs
The Navy captured Valparaiso, a coastal city and major seaport, at 7 am. By 9 am, the military had taken control over almost the entire country. Allende refused to resign, giving a final speech over the radio. By 2:30 pm, the troops defending the presidential palace resigned, with Allende committing suicide.
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A New Government Takes Power
The military junta which had taken power quickly dissolved congress, outlawed leftist political parties, and took control over newspapers and radio in the country. The "dissapearing" of political dissidents begins.
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Pinochet Takes Power
The military junta appoints Augusto Pinochet as leader of Chile. He would lead the country under a military dictatorship until March of 1990.
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