The Brezhnev Era, 1972–1985: Development in Africa and the Americas - the impact of US intervention in Latin America, Chile Flashcards
1
Q
Why were the US interested in Chile?
A
- Interested in Chile’s copper and silver mines
- US company dominated Chile’s telecommunication system
- Western and capitalist Latin America of high geopolitical value
2
Q
Outline the key events of US intervention in Chile
A
- 1960s - US gives billions in aid to Christian Democratic Party in Chile
- September 1970 - socialist Salvador Allende is democratically elected as Chile’s president
- CIA plans coup to prevent Allende becoming president - this fails
- US influences World Bank to stop loans to Chile
- Chile becomes poor
- September 1973 - Allende is assassinated and replaced with right-wing dictator, Augusto Pinochet
3
Q
How and when did the US initially aid Chile?
A
- 1960s
- US sent billions in aid to Christian Democratic Party
4
Q
Which socialist leader comes to power in Chile?
A
- Salvador Allende
5
Q
When is Allende elected president?
A
- September 1970
6
Q
Give examples of reforms Allende made and explain why this upset the US
A
- Nationalised banking system and copper industry
- Seized and redistributed millions of hectares of land as farm co-operatives
- Damaged US business interests
7
Q
How does the US respond to Allende’s reforms?
A
- CIA plans coup to kill Allende, this fails
- Influences the World Bank to stop loaning money to Chile
- CIA pays truckers to not work
8
Q
What effect does the World Bank and the US’ actions have on Chile?
A
- Chile becomes poor
- High inflation
- High unemployment
- Middle class turn against Allende
9
Q
By what year had Chile’s economy deteriorated?
A
- 1973
10
Q
Who organised a coup against Allende?
A
- Augusto Pinochet
- Allende’s Commander-in-Chief of Chilean army
11
Q
When was Allende killed?
A
- September 1973
12
Q
What happened to Chile after the coup in 1973?
A
- Pinochet established a dictatorship
- 25 years of brutal oppression followed
