History is often shaped by a single consequential event, one that can alter the political trajectory of a country for generations. For Chile, September 11, 1973, remains one of the most consequential dates in its modern history.On that day, Chile’s armed forces overthrew President Salvador Allende, bringing an abrupt end to the country’s democratic government and ushering in the 17-year military dictatorship of Army General Augusto Pinochet. What followed was a period marked by mass arrests and detentions, torture, political executions, disappearances and exile.
Also Read : Chile’s September 11The coup came after years of deepening political polarisation and a severe economic crisis. By 1973, Chile was grappling with soaring inflation, shortages of essential goods, strikes and disruptions to transport and production. The country’s political institutions were increasingly paralysed, while sections of the military were becoming more openly involved in the political crisis.Allende was elected President in 1970 after he clinched 36.6% votes in the nation’s elections, narrowly ahead of conservative candidate Jorge Alessandri. Because no candidate had won an outright majority, the Chilean Congress ultimately confirmed Allende as President.However, his ascension to power through socialistic model of governance turned out to be a short-lived affair. At the same time, Washington viewed the emergence of a Socialist government in Chile with deep concern. The United States undertook covert efforts to weaken Allende and support opposition forces, adding an international dimension to an already profound domestic crisis.Chile military coup: The other 9/11 of America Flowers surround a picture of former Chilean President Salvador Allende in front of "La Moneda" Presidential Palace during a rally marking the anniversary of the coup d’etat in Chile in Santiago September 11, 2014.A picture of a person executed during the Pinochet dictatorship is placed at his grave at the General Cemetery in Santiago. General August Pinochet Ugarte, President of Chile's four man junta which ousted the late President Allende, speaks on television following the coup, in Santiago. Photo monitored from CBS-TV screen.
