The 1973 Chilean Coup 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 Chile's political history and had far-reaching implications for the role of the military in Latin American politics, particularly in terms of military intervention in civilian governance.
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The coup was orchestrated by General Augusto Pinochet, along with other military leaders, backed by the United States government which aimed to prevent the spread of communism in Latin America.
Allende's presidency faced significant economic challenges and political polarization, leading to widespread protests and unrest that contributed to the conditions for the coup.
During the coup, Chile's presidential palace, La Moneda, was bombarded and Allende died during the attack, with reports suggesting he committed suicide rather than surrender.
After the coup, Pinochet established a brutal dictatorship marked by severe human rights violations, including torture, executions, and disappearances of political opponents.
The 1973 coup set a precedent for military intervention in Latin American politics, leading to a wave of similar coups throughout the region during the Cold War period.
Review Questions
What were the key factors that led to the 1973 Chilean Coup, and how did these factors reflect the broader historical role of the military in Latin American politics?
Key factors leading to the coup included economic instability under Allende’s government, political polarization, and opposition from both conservative sectors and the military. These issues created an environment where military intervention was viewed as necessary by some factions. This situation reflects a broader historical trend in Latin America where militaries often intervened in politics during times of crisis, claiming to restore order and stability.
Discuss the implications of the Chilean Coup for civil-military relations in Latin America following 1973.
The 1973 Chilean Coup significantly altered civil-military relations in Latin America by legitimizing military involvement in governance. It established a model where militaries could justify interventions under claims of national security and stability. This shift contributed to numerous military regimes across the region that often suppressed democratic movements and curtailed civil liberties, fundamentally changing the political landscape.
Evaluate how the U.S. government's role in supporting the Chilean coup affected regional politics and influenced future military interventions in Latin America.
The U.S. government's support for the 1973 Chilean Coup underscored its Cold War policy of opposing leftist governments in Latin America. This intervention set a dangerous precedent for future U.S. involvement in regional politics, often supporting authoritarian regimes over democratically elected ones to contain communism. The consequences included long-lasting distrust towards U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and contributed to a cycle of coups and military interventions throughout the continent during that era.
Related terms
Salvador Allende: The first Marxist to be elected president in a liberal democracy in Latin America, serving from 1970 until his overthrow in 1973.
Augusto Pinochet: The general who led the coup against Allende and subsequently ruled Chile as a dictator until 1990, implementing widespread human rights abuses and neoliberal economic reforms.
Military Junta: A government led by a committee of military leaders, which was established in Chile following the coup, replacing Allende's civilian government.