Contents
Salvador Allende
Pursuing a democratic socialist programme before Chile’s 1973 military coup.
Copper nationalisation · Social programmes
- Born
- 26 June 1908
- Birthplace
- Valparaíso, Chile
- Died
- 11 September 1973
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Salvador Allende was a Chilean physician and politician who served as president from 1970 to 1973.
Early life
Medicine
Studied at the University of Chile.
Political formation
Became involved in socialist organising as a young man.
Career
- 1930s–1960s
Public office
Served as minister, senator and presidential candidate.
- 1970
Election
Won the presidency with the Popular Unity coalition.
- 1970–1973
Government
Pursued economic reforms amid polarisation and foreign pressure.
Policies & public record
Copper nationalisation
Brought major copper operations under state ownership.
Social programmes
Expanded measures including food and health provision.
Final address
Broadcast from the presidential palace during the coup.
Beyond work
Profession
His medical background informed his attention to public health.
Overthrow
Died during the military assault on the palace; the coup brought a dictatorship.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile. CC BY 3.0 cl · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
