The military dictatorship of Chile refers to a period in Chilean history when the country was under the rule of a military regime, broadly characterized by strong authoritarian control and the suppression of political opposition. This regime was established after a coup d'état that took place on September 11, 1973, resulting in the overthrow of President Salvador Allende's democratically-elected government.
Under the military dictatorship, Chile was governed by a junta led by General Augusto Pinochet, who assumed the position of head of state. The regime was implemented with the intention of restoring stability and order to the country, but it also involved numerous human rights abuses and political persecutions. During this time, Chile experienced a period of intense repression, censorship, and the erosion of civil liberties.
The military dictatorship implemented neoliberal economic policies, leading to significant changes in Chile's economic structure. These reforms included privatizing state-owned industries, reducing government intervention, and opening the country to international trade. While these policies resulted in certain economic growth, they also exacerbated social inequalities and concentrated wealth in the hands of a few.
The military dictatorship of Chile lasted for 17 years, finally coming to an end in 1990 after nationwide protests and international pressure for democratization. The transition to democracy in Chile involved significant political and legal reforms, including a plebiscite that allowed the citizens to decide on the continuity of Pinochet's rule. The military dictatorship left a lasting impact on Chilean society, as the scars of the regime's human rights abuses and political repression continue to be felt and remembered to this day.
