Military dictatorship of Chile

Quick Facts: Who was Military dictatorship of Chile?

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Military dictatorship of Chile

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Authoritarian military regime that ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990, overthrowing democracy.

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Origins & Early Life

An authoritarian military dictatorship ruled Chile for almost seventeen years, between 11 September 1973 and 11 March 1990. The dictatorship was established after the democratically elected socialist government of Salvador Allende was overthrown in a coup d'état backed by the United States on 11 September 1973. During this time, the country was ruled by a military junta headed by General Augusto Pinochet. The military used the breakdown of democracy and the economic crisis that took place during Allende's presidency to justify its seizure of power. The dictatorship presented its mission as a "national reconstruction".

Career & Major Achievements

The coup was the result of multiple forces, including pressure from conservative groups, certain political parties, union strikes and other domestic unrest, as well as international factors. The regime was characterized by the systematic suppression of political parties and the persecution of dissidents to an extent unprecedented in the history of Chile. Overall, the regime left over 2,776 people dead or missing, and tens of thousands of prisoners tortured. The dictatorship's effects on Chilean political and economic life continue to be felt. Two years after its ascension, neoliberal economic reforms were implemented in sharp contrast to Allende's leftist policies.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The government was advised by the Chicago Boys, a team of free-market economists educated in the United States. Later, in 1980, the regime replaced the 1925 Constitution with a new constitution in a controversial referendum. This established a series of provisions that would eventually lead to the 1988 Chilean national plebiscite on October 5 of that year. In that plebiscite, 55% of voters rejected the proposal of extending Pinochet's presidency for another eight years. Consequently, democratic presidential and parliamentary elections were held the following year.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1973: 1973 Milestone — An authoritarian military dictatorship ruled Chile for almost seventeen years, between 11 September 1973 and 11 March 1990.
2. 1980: 1980 Milestone — Later, in 1980, the regime replaced the 1925 Constitution with a new constitution in a controversial referendum.
3. 1988: 1988 Milestone — This established a series of provisions that would eventually lead to the 1988 Chilean national plebiscite on October 5 of that year.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Military dictatorship of Chile

True or False: “The Chilean dictatorship immediately implemented fully free-market policies without any prior economic instability or crisis.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Neoliberal reforms were implemented two years after the ascension, in sharp contrast to Allende's existing leftist policies.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. S. Neill — Historical peer (Died in 1973) (1973): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
• Abebe Bikila — Historical peer (Died in 1973) (1973): Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, known for his barefoot victories in Rome and Tokyo.
• A. J. P. Taylor — Historical peer (Died in 1990) (1990): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Aaron Copland — Historical peer (Died in 1990) (1990): Pioneering American composer, conductor, and critic, known as the "Dean of American Music".
• Abby Wambach — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Adande Thorne — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.
• Albert Bandura — Historical peer (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering psychologist known for Social Cognitive Theory and self-efficacy.
• Alexander Shulgin — Historical peer (Born in 1925) (1925): Pioneering biochemist known for synthesizing and exploring over 200 psychoactive compounds.
• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Historical peer (Died in 1988) (1988): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and emotionally engaging style.
• Abdul Ghaffar Khan — Historical peer (Died in 1988) (1988): Pioneering nonviolent activist and founder of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Military dictatorship of Chile