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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. Socialist Salvador Allende, elected with a minority of the vote, was assassinating opponents<ref>http://nixontapeaudio.org/chile/517-004.pdf</ref>, threatening opposition media<ref>http://nixontapeaudio.org/chile/517-004.pdf</ref>, arming left-wing paramilitary groups<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219461/pinochet-history/nro-symposium</ref>, receiving funding from the KGB<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219461/pinochet-history/nro-symposium</ref>, and ultimately caught collaborating with [[Fidel Castro]] to arm left-wing terrorists to launch attacks on government buildings so he could declare martial law.<ref>http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/219461/pinochet-history/nro-symposium</ref>  Allende was formally condemned by Chile's parliament for systematically destroying democracy in Chile.<ref>“Declaration of the Breakdown of Chile’s Democracy,” Resolution of the Chamber of Deputies, Chile, August 22, 1973.</ref> The Chilean Chamber of Deputies Resolution of August 22, 1973, accused Allende of support of armed groups, torture, illegal arrests, muzzling the press, confiscating private property, and not allowing people to leave the country.  Not only did 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.  He was condemned for his illegal conduct 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 '''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. General Pinochet headed a military dictatorship for 17 years (1973-1990) as he murdered [[communist]] opponents in Chile.  During the [[Cold War]], Pinochet saw support from [[America]].

 

General Pinochet headed a military dictatorship for 17 years (1973-1990) as he murdered [[communist]] opponents in Chile.  During the [[Cold War]], Pinochet saw support from [[America]].

General Pinochet instituted free market reforms in Chile in the 1970s that resulted in lower [[inflation]] and an economic boom from 1976 to 1979. He held a [[plebiscite]] on his rule and 75% of the people affirmed their support for him.  However, the plebiscite is regarded by some as fraudulent.

General Pinochet instituted free market reforms in Chile in the 1970s that resulted in lower [[inflation]] and an economic boom from 1976 to 1979. He held a [[plebiscite]] on his rule and 75% of the people affirmed their support for him.  However, the plebiscite is regarded by some as fraudulent.