1973 Chilean coup d'état

The military coup that overthrew Chilean president Salvador Allende on September 11, 1973, and established a military dictatorship led by Augusto Pinochet.

La Moneda: The presidential palace in Santiago, Chile, and the site of the decisive military assault during the 1973 coup. Army forces bombarded this palace as Allende remained inside during the coup.
Chilean presidential election of 1970: The election that made Salvador Allende president of Chile with a plurality of the vote. Allende’s narrow victory and congressional confirmation preceded the conflict that culminated in the coup.
Military dictatorship of Chile: The authoritarian regime that ruled Chile under Augusto Pinochet from 1973 to 1990. It was the regime established by the coup and the new political order it imposed.
José Toribio Merino: Chilean admiral who led the navy’s participation in the 1973 coup and served on the ruling junta. He was among the senior commanders who coordinated the military takeover.
Death of Salvador Allende: The death of Chilean president Salvador Allende inside La Moneda during the coup on September 11, 1973. Investigations concluded that Allende died by suicide, a finding long contested in public debate.
Chilean Armed Forces: Chile’s military institutions, comprising the army, navy, air force, and Carabineros. Their commanders organized the uprising and took control of state institutions.
Popular Unity: The left-wing coalition that governed Chile under President Salvador Allende from 1970 to 1973. Its program became a central focus of political opposition and institutional conflict.
Caravan of Death: A military operation in 1973 in which an army delegation executed political prisoners across Chile. This early campaign of killings demonstrated the dictatorship’s use of state terror.
Gustavo Leigh: Chilean air force general who participated in the coup and served on the military junta. His air force helped attack La Moneda during the coup.
United States documents on Chile: Declassified U.S. records concerning American policy and covert activity in Chile during the Cold War. These records clarify U.S. actions while leaving disputes about direct involvement in the coup.

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