September 11, 1973

On September 11, 1973, Chile’s military, led by General Augusto Pinochet, seized power in a coup against elected President Salvador Allende. The government was overthrown violently, resulting in many deaths and the establishment of a military dictatorship. The coup was supported by the U.S. government and was driven by fears of socialism and political instability. This event marked a significant turning point in Chile’s history, ending democracy and initiating a period of repression, human rights abuses, and political upheaval that lasted for years.