The Brezhnev Era, 1972-1985: Development in Africa and the Americas - the impact of US intervention in Latin America, Chile Flashcards
Why were the US interested in Chile?
• Interested in Chile’s copper and silver mines
• US company dominated Chile’s telecommunication system
• Western and capitalist Latin America of high geopolitical value
Outline the key events of US intervention in
Chile
• 19605 - US gives billions in aid to Christian Democratic Party in
Chile
• September 1970 - socialist Salvador Allende is democratically elected as Chile’s president
• CIA plans coup to prevent Allende becoming president - this fails
• US influences World Bank to stop loans to Chile
• Chile becomes poor
• September 1973 - Allende is assassinated and replaced with right-wing dictator, Augusto Pinochet
How and when did the US initially aid Chile?
• 1960s
- US sent billions in aid to Christian Democratic Party
Which socialist leader comes to power in
Chile?
• Salvador Allende
When is Allende elected president?
•September 1970
Give examples of reforms Allende made and explain why this upset the US
• Nationalised banking system and copper industry
• Seized and redistributed millions of hectares of land as farm co-operatives
• Damaged US business interests
How does the US respond to Allende’s reforms?
• CIA plans coup to kill Allende, this fails
• Influences the World Bank to stop loaning money to Chile
• CIA pays truckers to not work
What effect does the World Bank and the US’ actions have on Chile?
• Chile becomes poor
• High inflation
High unemployment
• Middle class turn against Allende
By what year had Chile’s economy deteriorated?
•1973
Who organised a coup against Allende?
•Augusto Pinochet
- Allende’s Commander-in-Chief of Chilean army
When was Allende killed?
•September 1973
What happened to Chile after the coup in
1973?
• Pinochet established a dictatorship
- 25 years of brutal oppression followed
