The life of Chilean President Salvador Allende ended tragically on September 11, 1973. He fell victim to a fascist coup led by General Pinochet. The footage of the storming of the presidential palace in those days spread all over the world. The death of the leader of the Chilean people shocked the world community.
Salvador Allende: facts from the biography
Chilean leader Salvador Allende was born on June 26, 1908. His birthplace was Valparaiso, Chile's seaport. The family of the future leader of Chile belonged to the aristocracy and was known for liberal views.
In 1932, Allende graduated from the University of Chile with an excellent education and a medical degree. He soon took part in the founding of the Socialist Party of Chile. A few years later, Allende was elected a member of the National Congress and worked in this field until 1945. Then the politician becomes a senator. From 1939 to 1942, Allende was head of the Chilean Ministry of Health.
In 1942, active political activity lifted Allende to the post of leader of the country's Socialist Party. But after a few years, the politician breaks with like-minded people and creates the People's Socialist Party. Subsequently, he approaches the communists, who promised Allende support in running for president. An alliance called "People's Action" was formed, which included two parties. This united front nominated Allende three times to the highest state office in the country.
Allende was happy in his personal life. In 1940 he married Hortense Bussey. They had three daughters. The president's wife passed away in 2009.
Allende as president
In the 1970 presidential elections, Allende outstripped his opponents. However, he failed to get an overwhelming majority of votes, so the politician's candidacy was sent to Congress for approval. Allende pledged to uphold the principles of democracy and was backed by the powerful Christian Democrats.
In his policy, Allende focused on the agrarian issue, the nationalization of banks and private companies. The new system provided for increased government control over business.
Allende's policy met with strong opposition from large landowners. And the nationalization of industrial enterprises worsened relations between Chile and the United States. A difficult economic situation has developed in the country: inflation rates have increased. A large part of the Chilean population expressed dissatisfaction with Allende's policies.
Death of President Allende
By mid-1973, the country had split into two camps. Allende's supporters were opposed by right-wing forces led by the United States. There was intensive preparation for a coup d'etat. In the early morning of September 11, 1973, General Pinochet began military action against government forces. The president was asked to surrender voluntarily. But he did not want to leave his post. As a result of the storming of the government residence, Allende was killed. Thirteen bullet wounds were subsequently counted in his body.
