The Chilean way to socialism
26 June 1908 11 September 1973 Salvador Allende Gossens was born in Valparaiso, Chile, on June 26, 1908 from a wealthy family. He studied and graduated in medicine from an early age takes intensively part in politics of his country. Exercises at first as a physician, was a Freemason, but also passionate Marxist and capitalist system, so as to pursue critical acute is the profession of doctor who on political activity. In 1933 he was one of the founders of the Chilean Socialist Party; in 1938 he was elected Deputy and later in 1942 Minister of health; in 1945 becomes Senator then Senate President; in 1958 is presented in the presidential elections as a candidate of the left, but is not elected. Salvador Allende was elected President democratically in 1970, its fourth election, when it presents itself as a candidate of "Unidad Popular", a coalition that brings together Socialists, radicals and other leftist parties. The Nixon administration is the most strenuous opponent of Allende, for which nourishes a malevolence that the American President does not hesitate to openly admit. Under President Nixon, the so-called u.s. "advisers" (that raged across much of Latin America throughout the 1970s and 1980s) attempt to prevent Allende's election by financing political parties ' opponents. It is claimed that the same Allende has received funding from foreign communist political movements, but this hypothesis remains officially unconfirmed; Nevertheless, the extent of any contributions would be well less than the chance of "investment". Elections won first place but not the 50% of the vote (it reaches the 36.3% of the votes) decision of its possible ascent to the Presidency is postponed until the resolution of Congress which is to choose between him and Jorge Alessandri, the second most voted. The choice of Allende attracts the attention of the world on Chile: for the first time a Marxist can become leader of a Western Hemisphere Government thanks to an electoral victory and not to an armed uprising. His victory alarmed the richest part of the population, and especially the United States that following his election are lead by the CIA a propaganda to incite the former Christian Democrat President Eduardo Frei Montalva of Chile to block Allende's ratification as President by Congress. It is supposed that Congress, controlled by the Christian Democrats, rectify his victory but, in contrast to this historic principle, first force Allende to sign a statute of constitutional guarantees, then allows the settlement. Allende promises to Congress and the country a March toward "socialism in freedom"; his reform agenda is vast: it includes the nationalization of banks, the beginning of agrarian reform, the expropriation of foreign capital (primarily American) owner of the mines. With nothing short of bold gesture declares his intention to promote socialist reforms, the so-called "Chilean way to socialism", which provides for appropriate measures which aim at the reform, rising wages, compulsory nationalization of copper (the maximum wealth in the country) without compensation. His choice the unleash against the hostility of the American capital. His political opponents accused him of wanting to convert Chile into a Communist regime, but Allende rejects these allegations. As President of the Republic chooses the path of intransigence and of firmness; his program will include large State intervention and the redistribution of wealth is still concentrated in the hands of a few rich and powerful to Chilean families in this way reduce the imbalances between rich and poor. Despite trying to make this project with full respect of the Constitution, is defying that part of Chilean society that for too many years are accustomed to enjoying favouritism and privileges. The Government announces a suspension of payment of the external debt and at the same time does not honor the credits of foreign Governments and economic potentates. All this irritates the medium and high bourgeoisie and enhances the political tension in the country, as well as create an international dissent. Also during his presidency, Allende has smooth relations with the Chilean Congress, which is strong the influence of Chilean Christian Democrats, the conservative party. The Christian Democrats continue to say that Allende is leading the Chile toward a dictatorial regime, along the lines of the Cuban Government of Castro; looking so to moderate many of its major constitutional reforms. Some members of Congress prevent the intervention of the armed forces to carry out a coup to "protect the Constitution". Allende squeezes a deep personal friendship with Fidel castro and in 1971 announces the establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba, despite a declaration by the Organization of American States where Chile joined, he had determined that no Western nation would have bestowed upon cross-overs. Allende's policy increasingly leans to the left, towards socialism and towards ever closer relations towards Cuba, a fact that worries Washington. The Nixon Administration exercises a growing economic exploitation through many channels, someone (like the embargo) and someone illegal (such as the financing of political opponents in the Chilean Congress and in 1972 through the financial support provided to the Union of truckers, which paralyses the country). The 1973 is characterized by a poor economic performance in the country due to the high inflation rate in addition to the lack of raw materials that make fall the country into total chaos. The 11 September 1973 is a date that becomes a nightmare for democracy, through the work of right-wing nationalist coup (coordinated and controlled by the United States). Salvador Allende is overthrown: Chilean armed forces led by General Augusto Pinochet put in place the coup. Following the siege and taking of the "Palacio de La Moneda"; rather than surrender to Pinochet, Allende chooses the lesser of two evils and opts for suicide. Although the circumstances of his death, which took place in Santiago, Chile, are not entirely clear, the official version confirmed by his personal physician is that the President has committed suicide with a shotgun. Others claim that he was killed by coup plotters while defending the Presidential Palace. The coup d'etat and the Pinochet regime are not tolerated and shared in many States, even in Europe, where sympathy with Allende and the people of Chile are organized demonstrations and strikes. In Pinochet's dictatorship, which lasted 17 years, remain in Office the Ambassadors appointed by Salvador Allende. There have been many Chileans who supported the coup, because they saw the hope to protect the Constitution, but now this situation that did not meet the expectations of citizens is revealed in all its horror: during the reign of Pinochet democratic not see human rights violations by his Government demonstrated by irrefutable evidence. It is estimated that at the end of the long period of dictatorship are over 3000 victims (including non-Chilean), among the dead and missing, and around 30000 people tortured (the figures have emerged from the Rettig report, an official inquiry conducted in Chile after the Pinochet dictatorship in 1990). Also have emerged in recent times, documents listed that show that the CIA (the United States of America Counterintelligence Service) has been advocating support with the overturning of Allende, and has encouraged and fed the use of torture by the dictator Pinochet.