Why did military leaders overthrow the governments of Chile and Argentina in the 1970s
The military leaders overthrew the governments of Chile and Argentina in the 1970s for different reasons.
1. Chile: In Chile, General Augusto Pinochet led a military coup on September 11, 1973, overthrowing the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende. There were several factors that led to the military's intervention:
- Political Instability: Chile was facing widespread political polarization and economic crisis, with increasing tensions between the socialist government led by Allende and right-wing opposition groups, including business elites, the military, and the United States government.
- Concerns about Communism: The military, with support from the United States, saw Allende's socialist policies and alliances with Marxist groups as a threat to democracy and national security. They feared Chile would turn into a communist state, aligned with the Soviet Union or Cuba.
- Economic Issues: Chile was grappling with hyperinflation, food shortages, and strikes, which deepened the economic crisis in the country. The military believed they could stabilize the economy and restore order through a coup.
2. Argentina: In Argentina, a military junta, known as the National Reorganization Process, overthrew the government of President Isabel Perón on March 24, 1976. The reasons behind the coup were primarily related to:
- Economic Crisis: Argentina was facing severe economic problems, marked by high inflation, a growing external debt, and a declining industrial sector. The military believed that they could implement economic reforms and stabilize the country.
- Political Instability and Escalating Violence: Argentina was experiencing political unrest and escalating political violence between left-wing guerrilla groups, such as the Montoneros and ERP, and right-wing paramilitary groups. The military saw itself as the only institution capable of restoring order and security.
- Perceived Threat of Communism: Similar to Chile, the Argentine military perceived left-wing and socialist movements as a communist threat to the country's security. They believed the Peronist government was not effectively combating these groups and decided to take control.
It is important to note that these explanations provide a general understanding of the motivations behind the military coups but may not encompass all the complexities and context of the situations.