U.S. intervention in Chile

The United States on several occasions sought to influence the policies or government of Chile. This article focuses on the period starting in the early 1960s.

Related Topics:
United States - Chile - 1960s

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The Marxist presidential candidate Salvador Allende was a top contender in the 1964 election, and the US, through the CIA, spent millions campaigning against him, mostly through radio and print advertising. Allende was defeated, for which the CIA took some credit.

Related Topics:
Marxist - President - Salvador Allende - 1964 - CIA - Advertising

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He stood again in the 1970 presidential election. Again, US intelligence sought to prevent his election, but at the end of a very close race he won a plurality, though not a majority, and was duly invested as president.

Related Topics:
1970 presidential election - Intelligence - Plurality

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Once Allende was in office, the US, led by Nixon, who stated his fear that Chile could become "another Cuba", initiated plans to work with insurgent elements within Chile to overthrow Allende in a coup. After negotiations with these elements, and after one bungled minor operation (see below), the CIA broke off these efforts.

Related Topics:
Cuba - Coup

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The US began implementing economic sanctions against Chile to encourage Allende's resignation, his overthrow, or his defeat in the 1976 elections.

Related Topics:
Economic sanction - 1976

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On September 11, 1973, a coup led by Augusto Pinochet (See Chilean coup of 1973) resulted in the overthrow of Allende and the establishment of a military dictatorship. The CIA reports having received notice of the impending coup from contacts within the government two days before.

Related Topics:
September 11 - 1973 - Augusto Pinochet - Chilean coup of 1973 - Military dictatorship

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