Chilean coup d'état

Chilean coup d'état
Dirk Jansz van Santen · Public domain · source
Conflict	Chilean coup d'état
Date	September 11, 1973
Place	Chile
Result	Overthrow of Salvador Allende's Unidad Popular government, establishment of a Military dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet

Chilean coup d'état. The Chilean coup d'état was a watershed event in the history of Chile, led by Augusto Pinochet, José Toribio Merino, Gustavo Leigh, and César Mendoza, against the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende and his Unidad Popular coalition. This event was influenced by the Cold War, with the United States and the Soviet Union playing significant roles, as seen in the involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency and the KGB. The coup was also supported by the Chilean Navy, the Chilean Air Force, and the Carabineros de Chile.

Background

The background to the coup involves the complex interplay of Chilean politics, Economic crisis, and the influence of external actors such as the United States Department of State and the Soviet Embassy in Chile. The Presidency of Salvador Allende was marked by significant Economic reforms, including the Nationalization of copper and the Agrarian reform, which were opposed by the Chilean Congress and the Chilean oligarchy. The Unidad Popular government also had close ties with Cuba, Nicaragua, and other Socialist states, which further exacerbated tensions with the United States. Key figures such as Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and Nikita Khrushchev played important roles in shaping the political landscape of Latin America during this period. The Chilean Christian Democratic Party, led by Eduardo Frei Montalva, and the National Party (Chile), led by Sergio Onofre Jarpa, were also instrumental in the events leading up to the coup.

The Coup

The coup itself was a swift and decisive action, involving the Chilean Armed Forces, the Chilean Navy, and the Chilean Air Force, with key support from the Carabineros de Chile and the Chilean Army. The coup began on September 11, 1973, with the bombing of the La Moneda Palace by the Chilean Air Force, and ended with the death of Salvador Allende and the establishment of a Military dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet. The United States Embassy in Chile and the Central Intelligence Agency played significant roles in supporting the coup, as did the Argentine military and the Brazilian military. Other key figures involved in the coup included Henry Kissinger, Richard Nixon, and Nelson Rockefeller.

Aftermath

The aftermath of the coup was marked by a period of Repression, with the establishment of the Dirección de Inteligencia Nacional (DINA) and the Comisión Chilena de Derechos Humanos (Chilean Human Rights Commission). The Military dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet implemented a series of Economic reforms, including the Privatization of state-owned enterprises and the Deregulation of markets, which had a significant impact on the Chilean economy. The Chilean Constitution of 1980 was also enacted during this period, which enshrined the principles of Neoliberalism and Authoritarianism. The Vatican and the Catholic Church in Chile played important roles in promoting Human rights and opposing the Repression.

Human Rights Violations

The human rights violations committed during the Military dictatorship were widespread and systematic, involving the Torture and Disappearance of thousands of people, including Victor Jara, Salvador Allende, and Orlando Letelier. The Villa Grimaldi and the Estadio Nacional de Chile were used as Detention centers and Torture centers, and the DINA and the CNI were responsible for many of the human rights abuses. The Rettig Report and the Valech Report documented the extent of the human rights violations, and the Chilean Supreme Court has since prosecuted many of those responsible. The United Nations Human Rights Council and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights have also played important roles in promoting Justice and Accountability.

International Reactions

The international reactions to the coup were varied, with the United States and its allies supporting the Military dictatorship, while the Soviet Union and its allies condemned the coup. The United Nations General Assembly passed several resolutions condemning the human rights violations, and the European Union imposed Economic sanctions on Chile. The Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of American States also played important roles in promoting Democracy and Human rights in Chile. Key figures such as Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and Jean-Paul Sartre spoke out against the coup and in support of the Chilean people.

Legacy

The legacy of the coup continues to be felt in Chile today, with ongoing debates about Justice and Accountability for the human rights violations. The Chilean transition to democracy in the 1990s, led by Patricio Aylwin and the Concertación, marked an important turning point in the country's history. The Museum of Memory and Human Rights and the Villa Grimaldi have been established as memorials to the victims of the coup, and the Chilean government has implemented several initiatives to promote Reconciliation and Healing. The Latin American Left and the Socialist International continue to promote Democracy and Social justice in the region, and the Chilean people remain committed to the principles of Human rights and Dignity. Category:Chilean history