Salvador Allende(1908-1973)

Allende became the Socialist President of Chile--elected by popular vote--in 1970 who was replaced by the now notorious Augusto Pinochet. It has been reported that Allende committed suicide. But it has not been determined whether his death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound or by fire caused by invading troops in the military coup designed to oust him from office. In retrospect, many believe that his eventual downfall was the result of conflicts between the Chilean political Left and Right. Chile's Left drew its support from the urban poor and working class. The Right was supported by a cohesive upper class that was able to galvanize its resources from agrarian and industrial interests. Additionally, the Right was able to persuade the middle class to join its ranks. The threat of Allende's Socialist policies inevitably left his administration vulnerable to the assault of a much larger and better financed political Right. Moreover, his administration had to endure the hostility of the United States during the Cold War era that saw his rise to power as a "Socialist" threat to American Democracy and capitalism. Many records confirm that the United States subsidized anti-Allende strikes and vowed its support of the military which was virulently against his administration. Unfortunately, Chile inherited Pinochet as a military dictator in 1973; at present Pinochet has been charged with war crimes for atrocities committed against opponents of his totalitarian regime. Allende's brief three years as President of Chile, beginning in 1970, are seen by his supporters and admirers as one man's efforts to neutralize the tyranny and economic hegemony of the upper classes and elites. His detractors view him as a man who threatened the Chilean economy with Socialist economic policy. His administration and his death will inevitably continue to be discussed and debated for years to come. It should be noted that many members of Allende's family were necessarily forced to leave Chile, but have nevertheless done quite well for themselves; the most notable and visible of his survivors is critically and popularly acclaimed author Isabel Allende, his niece.