why did military leaders overthrow the governments of Chile and Argentina in the 1970
The military leaders in Chile and Argentina overthrew their respective governments in the 1970s for different reasons.
In Chile, the government of Salvador Allende was overthrown on September 11, 1973, in a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet. There were several factors that led to this coup. Allende's socialist government implemented various economic policies, including nationalization of industries and redistribution of wealth, which alienated powerful right-wing groups, including the middle and upper classes, business elites, and international corporations that had significant influence in Chile. These groups, with the support of the United States government, actively opposed Allende's government and sought to destabilize it.
Furthermore, the Chilean military, particularly the Navy and Air Force, had become discontented with Allende's government due to perceived political interference in their affairs. The military believed that Allende was undermining the constitution and that his policies were leading to economic chaos and political polarization. The coup allowed the military to remove Allende from power and restore order, at least from their perspective, while paving the way for a conservative and authoritarian rule under General Pinochet.
In Argentina, a series of military coups took place in the 1970s. The first major coup occurred in 1976 when the military ousted President Isabel Perón from power. The primary reasons for the coup in Argentina were a deteriorating economy, escalating political violence, and the perceived inability of the government to effectively combat left-wing guerrilla groups. The military, seeing themselves as the guardians of law and order, believed that they needed to intervene and establish a stable and secure environment in the country.
Additionally, there was a general backlash against left-wing and progressive movements in Argentina at the time, as certain sections of the society, including business elites, landowners, and conservative sectors of the population, felt threatened by these movements. They wanted a return to traditional values, law and order, and a market-oriented economic system, all of which the military believed it could provide.
It is important to note that in both countries, the military regimes that came to power after the coups engaged in massive human rights abuses, including disappearances, torture, and state-sponsored terrorism. These actions were carried out as part of their efforts to suppress dissent, maintain control, and impose their ideologies on society.