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Chile gained its independence from Spain in 1810 (1ra. JUNTA NACIONAL DE GOBIERNO).

Chile gained its independence from Spain in 1810 (1ra. JUNTA NACIONAL DE GOBIERNO).

   

   

From 1970 to 1973, Chile's leader was [[Salvador Allende]], a democratically-elected communist. In 1973, General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte, better known as [[General Pinochet]], gained power in a military coup, during which Allende committed suicide. The coup, and the resulting activities of the new government which saw the deaths of over 250,000 people, were assited and supported by the CIA.[http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/COLDchile.htm] Pinochet instituted free market reforms and opposed communism, but also directed [[the Operation Condor]], a reprisal against political opponents during which thousands of Chileans disappeared, have been tortured and killed. Moreover he restricted freedom of press, of expression, etc.,  by the establishment of a despotic and militarian power.

From 1970 to 1973, Chile's leader was [[Salvador Allende]], a democratically-elected communist. In 1973, General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte, better known as [[General Pinochet]], gained power in a military coup, during which Allende committed suicide. The coup, and the resulting activities of the new government which saw the deaths of 3,000 people, were possibily assited and supported by the CIA. Pinochet instituted free market reforms and opposed communism, but also directed [[the Operation Condor]], a reprisal against political opponents during which thousands of Chileans disappeared, have been tortured and killed. Moreover he restricted freedom of press, of expression, etc.,  by the establishment of a despotic and militarian power.

After Pinochet's ouster in 1990, after he lost a plebecite election on his continuing status as president, Chile has attempted to try him for war crimes committed under his regime, but trails were postponed due to his age. Pinochet died in 2006, due to heart failure.

After Pinochet's ouster in 1990, after he lost a plebecite election on his continuing status as president, Chile has attempted to try him for war crimes committed under his regime, but trails were postponed due to his age. Pinochet died in 2006, due to heart failure.

Chile's current president, Michelle Bachellet, is the first woman president of the country. She is also a member of the Chilean Socialist party.

Chile's current president, Michelle Bachellet, is the first woman president of the country. She is also a member of the Chilean Socialist party.