The Brezhnev Era, 1972–1985: Development in Africa and the Americas - the impact of US intervention in Latin America, Chile Flashcards
When was the US Army School of the Americas founded?
1946
What was the US Army School of the Americas?
Trained many of the future leaders of dictatorships on South America
So pro-US, anti-communist leaders in South America
Why were the US interested in Chile?
- Interested in Chile’s copper mines
- US company dominated Chile’s telecommunication system
- Western and capitalist Latin America of high geopolitical value
Outline the key events of US intervention in Chile
- 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
How and when did the US initially aid Chile?
- 1960s
- US sent billions in aid to Christian Democratic Party
Which socialist leader comes to power in Chile?
- Salvador Allende
When is Allende elected president?
- September 1970
Give examples of reforms Allende made and explain why this upset the US
- Nationalised banking system and copper industry
- Seized and redistributed millions of hectares of land as farm co-operatives
- Damaged US business interests
How does the US respond to Allende’s reforms?
- CIA plans coup to kill Allende, this fails
- Influences the World Bank to stop loaning money to Chile
- CIA pays truckers to not work
What effect does the World Bank and the US’ actions have on Chile?
- Chile becomes poor
- High inflation
- High unemployment
- Middle class turn against Allende
By what year had Chile’s economy deteriorated?
- 1973
Who organised a coup against Allende?
- Augusto Pinochet
- Allende’s Commander-in-Chief of Chilean army
- Not directly supported by US, but their actions had facilitated a coup
When was Allende killed?
- September 1973
What happened to Chile after the coup in 1973?
- Pinochet established a dictatorship
- 25 years of brutal oppression followed
What was Operation Condor?
US supported a series of right wing governments in South America
Carried out purges of left-wing sympathisers
60,000 - 80,000 killed
