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Salvador Allende: Revolutionary Democrat in Revolutionary Lives

David Foster Wallace

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Salvador Allende Gossens, a Chilean physician and politician, served as the 29th President of Chile from 1970 to 1973. A prominent figure in the Latin American left, Allende was the first Marxist to be elected president of a country in the Americas through a democratic process. His presidency was marked by ambitious social and economic reforms, which aimed to reduce poverty and inequality and to increase the role of the state in the economy.

Allende's presidency was cut short on September 11, 1973, when a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet overthrew the government. Allende was killed in the coup, becoming the first democratically elected president to be overthrown by a military coup.

Salvador Allende: Revolutionary Democrat (Revolutionary Lives)

by Victor Figueroa Clark

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Allende's legacy is complex and controversial. He is revered by many on the left as a symbol of hope and a martyr for the cause of socialism. However, his critics on the right argue that his policies were economically disastrous and that he paved the way for Pinochet's dictatorship.

Early Life and Career

Allende was born on June 26, 1908, in Valparaiso, Chile. His father was a lawyer and his mother was a schoolteacher. Allende began his political career as a student at the University of Chile, where he joined the Socialist Party of Chile.

After graduating from medical school, Allende worked as a doctor in the poor neighborhoods of Santiago. He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1945 and served as Minister of Health under President Gabriel González Videla from 1949 to 1952.

In 1953, Allende was elected to the Senate. He ran for president in 1958 and 1964, but was defeated both times. In 1970, he was elected president with the support of a coalition of left-wing parties known as the Popular Unity.

Presidency

Allende's presidency was marked by ambitious social and economic reforms. He nationalized key industries, such as copper mining and banking, and expanded social programs. He also implemented land reform, which redistributed land to poor peasants.

Allende's reforms were controversial, and he faced opposition from the right and the left. The right-wing opposition, led by the National Party, accused Allende of being a communist and of destroying the economy. The left-wing opposition, led by the Revolutionary Left Movement, accused Allende of being too moderate and of not going far enough in his reforms.

Despite the opposition, Allende's reforms were popular with many Chileans. He increased social spending and reduced unemployment. However, the economy also faced challenges, such as inflation and shortages of goods.

Overthrow and Death

On September 11, 1973, a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet overthrew the government. Allende was killed in the coup, becoming the first democratically elected president to be overthrown by a military coup.

The coup marked the beginning of a 17-year dictatorship under Pinochet. Pinochet's regime was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Chileans, and many more were tortured or exiled.

Legacy

Allende's presidency was a time of great social and economic change in Chile. His reforms had a major impact on the country, and they continue to be debated today.