Cold War in Chile Flashcards
Who was President Allende?
Chilean president elected 1970- democratically elected Marxist president that the US saw as a threat.
Why did Kissinger and US see Allende as a threat?
US had investments in Chile; worried about nationalization of industries. Sec. of State/National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger thought a democratically elected Marxist was more threatening than Cuba.
How did the US respond to Allende’s presidency/election?
Used CIA to spark a coup to prevent Chilean Congress from approving Allende (fail), tried to unseat him, blocked Chile from World Bank loans, discouraged foreign investment, etc.
What happened when Allende’s popularity began to wane?
Chilean military opposed his reforms (raising wages, nationalizing foreign firms, etc, led to inflation), nation in chaos, Augusto Pinochet (army commander in chief) purged army of all who supported Allende, Allende committed suicide, Junta took over. US backed Pinochet to pursue anticommunism, even though it was authoritarian regime.
What was Operation Condor?
An action initiated by the Chilean military coup against Allende 1973 that involved kidnapping/killing suspected leftists, insurgents, etc. CIA provided computers and equipment to Condor militaries.
What was Operation Fubelt?
Supervised by Kissinger, CIA collaborated w/ pro-coup leader Roberto Viax to kidnap the pro-Allende commander in chief of army, Schneider. He was kidnapped and accidentally killed, replaced w/ Pinochet.
