Chile: Allende's Final Speech and Pinochet's Coup
On September 11, 1973, Chilean President Salvador Allende delivered his final speech, as a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet was underway to overthrow his democratically-elected socialist government. Allende's speech represented the end of social and economic reforms and a violent transition to military dictatorship. Allende was a socialist leader who sought to redistribute wealth and empower the working class. However, he also faced fierce opposition.
My friends,
Surely this will be the last opportunity for me to address you. The Air Force has bombed the antennas of Radio Magallanes.
My words do not have bitterness but disappointment. May they be a moral punishment for those who have betrayed their oath: soldiers of Chile, titular commanders in chief, Admiral Merino, who has designated himself Commander of the Navy, and Mr. Mendoza, the despicable general who only yesterday pledged his fidelity and loyalty to the Government, and who also has appointed himself Chief of the Carabineros [paramilitary police].
Final Speech, Chilean President Salvador Allende, September 11,1973
Question 1
Identify one cause of the events described in the excerpt.
Question 2
Explain one way the aftermath of the events described in the excerpt affected the Chilean people.
Question 3
Compare one way that the aftermath of the events described in the excerpt were similar or different to Francisco Franco's rule over Spain between 1939 and 1975.
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