Effects of the Cold War on Latin America: Chile

Cold War in the Americas IB History 12

Conservative and Pro-USA from1945-1970• Chilean politics was dominated by

middle and upper classe people causing frustration among working class and poor people.

• Policies of conservative Presidents Ibanez and Allessandri, as well as moderate President Frei, all included strict spending limits which withheld public services from the working class and poor.

• The Chilean Government enjoyed the support of the USA during this time and participates in the Alliance for Progress.

Liberal and Anti-USA from1970-1973• Despite efforts of the USA to prevent

his election, liberal Salvador Allende was elected President in 1970.

• Allende implemented socialist policies that grew the government and increased public services for the working class and poor.

• Fearing that Chile was transitioning to Communism, the United States put economic sanctions (penalties) in place and severely damaged Chile’s economy.

Military Rule from 1972-1981• With the Chilean economy collapsing,

General Agosto Pinochet used the military to take control of the country.

• President Allende committed suicide while the Presidential Palace was being bombed by the Chilean Air Force.

• Chile would be controlled by a brutal military dictatorship until 1981. Supporters of President Allende or anyone expressing liberal political beliefs were jailed, tortured, or killed.

Research Simulation• The Cold War policies of the United

States had a significant impact on the politics, economy, and society of Chile.

• Despite the fact that the United States and Chile have a more positive relationship today, if you were a Chilean citizen how would you view the United States given its actions during the Cold War?