1973 Chilean Coup | 3 Minute History
TLDRIn the 1960s, Chile was a democratic nation amidst dictatorships, but the US's involvement in Latin American politics intensified post-Cuban Revolution. The CIA funded opposition to socialist Salvador Allende, who won the 1970 election and implemented socialist reforms. US aid withdrawal and internal opposition led to economic turmoil. In 1973, a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet overthrew Allende, who is believed to have committed suicide. Pinochet established a military government, suspended the constitution, and arrested thousands of political opponents. The US's role in the coup is disputed, but they maintained close ties with Pinochet, who ruled until 1990.
Takeaways
- 🗽 In the 1960s, Chile was a democratic nation amidst many dictatorships in Latin America.
- 🌎 Post-Cuban Revolution, the U.S. became heavily involved in Latin American politics, including funding projects and political figures.
- 💵 The CIA funded opposition in Chile, including supporting Montalva against socialist Salvador Allende in the 1964 election.
- 📜 Chilean law prevented presidents from serving more than one term, leading to a shift in political power within the Christian Democratic Party.
- 🏆 Allende won the 1970 election and began implementing socialist reforms, which increased his popularity but also led to U.S. aid withdrawal and economic challenges.
- 🛑 The Confederation of Democracy was formed in parliament to halt further socialist reforms, with CIA support for opposition to Allende.
- 🤝 Allende had little support from the right-wing military, which held significant political influence despite being relatively isolated.
- 💥 Military unrest, such as the 1969 Techno Insurrection, showed the power of the military, despite promises to keep out of politics.
- 🔫 The assassination of General Schneider and the failed 1973 coup attempt by Colonel Super highlighted the growing tensions in Chile.
- 🏛 Amidst economic decline and political unrest, Pinochet rose to power following a successful coup on September 11, 1973.
- 🚫 Pinochet suspended the constitution, banned political parties, and consolidated power, leading to the arrest and killing of many political opponents.
- 🤔 The U.S. role in the coup is disputed, but there is evidence of their involvement in spreading the idea of a Marxist self-coup by Allende.
Q & A
What was the political climate in Chile during the 1960s?
-In the 1960s, Chile was a democratic nation, despite many of its neighbors being under dictatorships. However, the country experienced heavy American involvement in its politics, especially after the Cuban Revolution.
What was the role of the United States in Chile's politics post-Cuban Revolution?
-The United States became heavily involved in Latin American politics post-Cuban Revolution, including in Chile. They sent millions of dollars through projects like the Alliance for Progress to their allies and also helped start coups in countries like Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile.
Why did the CIA support Montalva in the 1964 Chilean election?
-The CIA supported Montalva in the 1964 Chilean election to counter Salvador Allende, a socialist candidate, in an attempt to prevent the rise of socialism in the country.
What happened when Montalva was forced to step down in 1967?
-After Montalva was forced to step down due to term limits, his party, the Christian Democratic Party, was taken over by Radomiro Tomić. However, Tomić came in third during the election, losing to two former presidents, George Alessandri and Salvador Allende.
Why did the National Congress have to choose a leader in 1967?
-The National Congress had to choose a leader in 1967 because no candidate won an outright majority in the election, leading to a situation where the Congress had to decide between the top candidates.
What reforms did Salvador Allende implement after becoming president?
-Salvador Allende implemented many socialist reforms after becoming president, which helped bolster his popularity among the Chilean people.
How did the United States respond to Allende's socialist reforms in Chile?
-The United States responded to Allende's socialist reforms by withdrawing aid to Chile, which contributed to the country suffering from mass inflation and economic instability.
What was the Confederation of Democracy and how did it impact Allende's government?
-The Confederation of Democracy was a united front formed by various political parties in the parliament to oppose Allende's further reforms. It effectively stopped further socialist reforms by exerting political pressure.
What was the significance of the assassination of General Schneider and how did it affect the political situation in Chile?
-General Schneider's assassination was significant because he had promised to keep the military out of politics. His death anchored those who believed Allende was poised to install a communist dictatorship, leading to increased political instability.
What events led to the coup against Allende on September 11, 1973?
-A series of events, including rising tensions, failed coup attempts, economic difficulties, and political opposition, culminated in the coup against Allende on September 11, 1973, led by military leaders including Augusto Pinochet.
What was the aftermath of the coup against Allende?
-After the coup, Pinochet, along with other military leaders, initially shared power in a military government. They suspended the constitution, banned opposing political parties, and Pinochet eventually consolidated power, making himself president and ruling Chile until 1990.
What was the American role in the coup against Allende?
-The American role in the coup against Allende is disputed, but it is suggested that they helped fan the flames beforehand and justified the coup by spreading the idea that Allende was planning a Marxist self-coup as part of Plan Zeta.
Outlines
🏛️ Chile's Democratic Struggle in the 1960s
In the 1960s, Chile was a democratic nation amidst a region dominated by dictatorships. The United States, influenced by the Cuban Revolution, heavily invested in Latin American politics, funding allies and instigating coups. In Chile, the CIA supported Eduardo Frei Montalva's election against socialist Salvador Allende. Montalva's term limit led to a power shift within the Christian Democratic Party, resulting in a three-way race won by Allende. His socialist reforms gained popularity but faced opposition from the US, leading to economic challenges and political unrest. The CIA funded opposition to Allende, and military dissatisfaction culminated in the 'Techno Insurrection' of 1969. Despite attempts to keep the military out of politics, assassinations and political maneuvering led to a failed coup attempt in 1973, followed by a successful one on September 11th, led by Pinochet and others, which ultimately overthrew Allende.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Democratic Nation
💡Cuban Revolution
💡Alliance for Progress
💡CIA
💡Socialist Reforms
💡Confederation of Democracy
💡Techno Insurrection
💡Augusto Pinochet
💡Constitutional Practices
💡National Stadium
💡Plan Zeta
Highlights
In the 1960s, Chile was a democratic nation despite many neighbors being under dictatorships.
Americans became heavily involved in Latin American politics post-Cuban Revolution.
Alliance for Progress was a project that sent millions of dollars to US allies in Latin America.
CIA involvement in starting coups in Bolivia, Brazil, and Chile.
In 1964, the CIA funded Montalva's campaign against socialist Salvador Allende.
Chilean presidential term limits prevented Montalva from serving a second term.
Radomiro Tomić took over the Christian Democratic Party after Montalva's term ended.
Tomić lost the election to George Alessandri and Salvador Allende, leading to a congressional decision.
The CIA's failed attempt to influence the selection of Chile's leader through the National Congress.
Salvador Allende's implementation of socialist reforms and subsequent popularity.
US withdrawal of aid to Chile and the country's economic crisis under Allende.
Formation of the Confederation of Democracy to oppose Allende's reforms.
CIA funding of opposition media against Allende, like the Elmer Curio newspaper.
Allende's lack of support from the right-wing military and political influence of military officers.
The Techno Insurrection of 1969 and the promise of the new Army Commander to keep military out of politics.
Assassination of General Schneider and the rise of paramilitary groups opposing Allende.
The failed coup attempt by Colonel Super in June 1973 and the subsequent political instability.
Augusto Pinochet's rise to power following the resignation of Carlos Pratt.
The Confederacy of Democracy's vote to challenge Allende's constitutional practices.
Naval, Air Force, and Police support for a coup against Allende led by Pinochet.
The September 11th coup, blockade of Valparaiso, and takeover of media by the military.
Allende's refusal to resign and his alleged suicide in the Presidential Palace.
Establishment of a military government by Pinochet, Mourinho, Mendoza, and Lee, suspending the constitution.
Pinochet's consolidation of power and his rule until 1990.
The disputed American role in the coup and their close relations with Pinochet's regime.
Transcripts
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