Allende and Pinochet in Chile | The 20th century | World history | Khan Academy

Summary

The video explores a dark chapter in Chilean and American history surrounding the 1970 Chilean presidential election. It discusses the rise of Salvador Allende, a Marxist leader, and the CIA's efforts to prevent his election due to Cold War tensions. The plot to overthrow Allende escalates with the assassination of General Rene Schneider, a key constitutionalist military figure. Eventually, Allende becomes president, but his policies lead to economic turmoil. In 1973, a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet overthrows Allende, ushering in a brutal dictatorship supported by the U.S. despite its human rights abuses.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1970 Chilean election saw Salvador Allende, a Marxist, win with 36% of the vote, leading to U.S. concerns about communism spreading in Latin America.
• 😀 The U.S. under President Nixon and Secretary of State Kissinger was actively involved in trying to prevent Allende from becoming president, considering both political and military options.
• 😀 Allende's victory led to the Chilean Congress having to decide who would be president, as no candidate had a majority. The U.S. attempted to influence this decision.
• 😀 René Schneider, the commander in chief of the Chilean military, was a staunch defender of the constitution and refused to involve the military in political matters, making him a target for anti-Allende forces.
• 😀 A plot to kidnap Schneider escalated into his assassination in October 1970, which was seen as an effort to remove an obstacle to a potential military coup.
• 😀 The CIA’s involvement in the assassination of Schneider is unclear. Some evidence suggests they were aware of the plot, but Kissinger claimed the operation was shut down before it could fully take place.
• 😀 Despite the assassination of Schneider, Allende was officially inaugurated president in November 1970. His government faced significant opposition, economic difficulties, and unrest throughout his presidency.
• 😀 U.S. efforts to undermine Allende's government included economic pressure, covert operations, and support for opposition groups, aiming to prevent Chile from becoming a communist state like Cuba.
• 😀 In 1973, political instability, strikes, and military discontent led to a coup that deposed Allende. The circumstances of Allende’s death remain debated: whether he committed suicide or was assassinated.
• 😀 General Augusto Pinochet emerged as the leader following the coup, establishing a brutal military dictatorship that lasted until 1990. The U.S. supported Pinochet for his anti-communist stance, despite his human rights violations.
• 😀 Pinochet’s rule was marked by severe repression, with thousands of political opponents tortured, killed, or disappeared. However, his regime’s economic policies helped improve Chile’s economy, largely due to U.S. support and market-driven reforms.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this video?

The video focuses on a dark chapter in Chilean history, specifically the events surrounding the 1970 election of Salvador Allende and the subsequent coup that led to Augusto Pinochet's rise to power.

Why does the speaker emphasize skepticism when watching this video?

The speaker encourages skepticism to promote critical thinking and independent research, as they acknowledge the complexity and potential uncertainty of the historical events discussed.

What role did the United States, particularly Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger, play in the Chilean 1970 presidential election?

The U.S. government, under Nixon and Kissinger, was deeply concerned about Salvador Allende's Marxist ideology. They sought to prevent his election through various means, including influencing Chilean Congress and exploring military intervention.

What was the 'Track One' strategy mentioned in the video?

'Track One' refers to the CIA's strategy to influence the Chilean Congress and prevent Salvador Allende from being elected president, despite his plurality in the election.

Who was René Schneider, and why was he a key figure in this historical context?

René Schneider was the Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean military, known for his commitment to Chile's constitution and his opposition to military intervention in politics. His stance made him a target for those seeking to overthrow Allende.

How did Schneider's death impact the political situation in Chile?

Schneider's assassination turned a planned kidnapping into a political disaster, increasing public support for Allende and forcing the Chilean Congress to allow him to become president.

What was the U.S. government's official stance on the coup against Allende in 1973?

The U.S. government, while not directly orchestrating the coup, had shown support for anti-Allende factions and was sympathetic to the military overthrow of Allende, particularly due to his Marxist beliefs.

What were the economic and political consequences of Salvador Allende's presidency?

Allende's economic policies, including price-fixing and wage increases, led to economic shortages and growing unrest. The U.S. also played a role in undermining Chile's economy during his tenure.

What was the nature of Augusto Pinochet's regime after the coup?

Pinochet established a military dictatorship, ruling Chile through a junta. His regime was marked by human rights abuses, including the torture and disappearance of political opponents, although it also resulted in economic reforms that benefitted the country's economy.

How did the United States support Pinochet after the coup?

The U.S. supported Pinochet's regime, both politically and economically, as he was seen as an ally in the fight against communism. Nixon and Kissinger were particularly focused on ensuring Pinochet's success in managing Chile's economy.

What is the legacy of Pinochet's rule in Chile?

Pinochet's rule is controversial; while it saw economic growth, it also involved brutal repression. Many Chileans suffered under his regime, and his legacy remains a subject of debate regarding the trade-off between economic development and human rights.