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[[Image:342px-Pinochet de Civil.jpg|right|thumb|Augusto Pinochet]]

[[Image:342px-Pinochet de Civil.jpg|right|thumb|Augusto Pinochet]]

General '''Augusto José Ramón Pinochet Ugarte''' (1915–2006) was a [[Chile]]an [[soldier]] and [[politician]] who became Chile's head of state from 1973 to 1990. He came to power as a member of a council of military leaders after the overthrow of the government of President [[Salvador Allende]] on September 11, 1973. Allende, a [[radical]] [[Marxist]], had gained power after barely winning only a 36% plurality of the popular vote in 1970, but he violated the Chilean [[Constitution]]{{fact}} and was condemned for his illegal conduct by the Chilean legislature and by civil society organizations.

General '''Augusto José Ramón Pinochet Ugarte''' (1915–2006) was a [[Chile]]an [[soldier]] and [[politician]] who became Chile's head of state from 1973 to 1990. He came to power as a member of a council of military leaders after the overthrow of the government of President [[Salvador Allende]] on September 11, 1973. Allende, a [[radical]] [[Marxist]], had gained power after barely winning only a 36% plurality of the popular vote in 1970, but he violated the Chilean [[Constitution]] through his support of armed groups in other South American countries, illegally arresting civilians, and taking power originally designated for other branches of the government. Not only dd he violate the Constitution, but it was becoming clear that he was operating in a systemic manner with the goal of creating "a totalitarian system" in Chile.and many others. He was condemned for his illegal conduct by the Chilean legislature and by numerous civil society organizations.<ref name="violations">[http://resources.metapress.com/pdf-preview.axd?code=304jhvp68lurxp08&size=largest How Salvador Allende Destroyed Democracy in Chile]</ref>

General Pinochet headed a military government for 16 years (1974-1990) as he fought and defeated [[communist]] opponents in Chile.  [[Leftists]] have hated Pinochet ever since for defeating them.  Pinochet was at one time a military subordinate of [[Salvador Allende]].  After the [[coup]], Pinochet saw support from [[America]].

General Pinochet headed a military government for 16 years (1974-1990) as he fought and defeated [[communist]] opponents in Chile.  [[Leftists]] have hated Pinochet ever since for defeating them.  Pinochet was at one time a military subordinate of [[Salvador Allende]].  After the [[coup]], Pinochet saw support from [[America]].