Salvador Allende, the former president of Chile from 1970 to 1973, was a groundbreaking figure in Latin American politics. As the first Marxist to be democratically elected as president in the region, Allende’s journey in Chilean politics began in 1933 when he co-founded a section of the Socialist Party of Chile. Despite facing multiple arrests during his college days for his involvement in radical politics, Allende’s determination never wavered. After several unsuccessful attempts, he finally won the open elections in 1970, becoming the first democratically elected socialist president of Chile. However, his presidency was marked by severe economic crises, including high unemployment, inflation, and malnourishment. Allende’s response was to implement policies of nationalization and collectivism, aiming to build a socialist society. He also restored diplomatic relations with China, Cuba, and the German Democratic Republic. Nevertheless, his socialist agenda strained his relationships with business houses and other politicians. Ultimately, his government was overthrown in September 1973 by a military coup, despite his support from farmers and the common man.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Salvador Guillermo Allende Gossens
- Died At Age: 65
- Died on: September 11, 1973
- Place of Death: Santiago, Chile
- Notable Alumni: Instituto Nacional General José Miguel Carrera, University Of Chile
- Cause of Death: Gunshot Wound
- City: Santiago, Chile
- Ideology: Socialists
- Education: University Of Chile, Instituto Nacional General José Miguel Carrera
Childhood & Early Life
Salvador Allende was born to Salvador Allende Castro and Laura Gossens Uribe. He came from a family with a long history in the medical profession and politics. He attended high school at the Liceo Eduardo de la Barra in Valparaíso and went on to obtain his medical degree from the University of Chile in 1933. In his doctoral thesis, he criticized Cesare Lombroso’s proposals on crime and mental hygiene.
Career
Allende’s political career began in 1933 when he co-founded The Socialist Party of Chile. He became its first chairman. In 1938, he was in charge of the electoral campaign of the Popular Front, which was victorious. He was appointed as the Minister of Health under President Pedro Aguirre Cerda and implemented various social reforms. He served as a senator from 1945 to 1969 and introduced legislation for establishing the Chilean National Health service. Allende ran for the presidency three times unsuccessfully before finally winning in 1970 as the leader of the Unidad Popular coalition.
Presidency and Major Works
When Allende assumed office, Chile was facing serious socio-economic problems. He implemented various reforms under the banner of “The Chilean Path to Socialism.” He introduced wage hikes, nationalized industries and banks, and revitalized the education system, healthcare, and government administration. Allende aimed to improve the socio-economic conditions of Chile’s poorest people by providing more employment opportunities. However, his radical socialist policies faced strong opposition from various groups, including businessmen, landlords, civil servants, and politicians. In 1973, a military coup led by Augusto Pinochet overthrew Allende’s government.
Personal Life & Legacy
Allende married Hortensia Bussi in 1940, and they had three daughters. During the Chilean coup of 1973, Allende gave a passionate farewell speech on live radio before his death. It was later announced that he had committed suicide by shooting himself. His wife and daughters went into exile in Mexico. There was controversy surrounding the circumstances of his death, with some claiming he had been assassinated. However, later studies confirmed that it was indeed a case of suicide.