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General Augusto Pinochet (Ugarte) (1915–2006) was a general and President of [[Chile]] who overthrew the [[Democracy|democratically]] elected government of President Salvador Allende on Sept. 11, 1973. General Pinochet then headed a military government for 16 years (1974-1990) as he fought and defeated communist opponents in Chile.  Pinochet, at one time the right hand in the military of [[Salvador Allende]], believed Chile was in danger , and decided to take action. After the coup, Pinochet saw support from America.  

General Augusto Pinochet (Ugarte) (1915–2006) was a general and President of [[Chile]] who overthrew the [[Democracy|democratically]] elected government of President Salvador Allende on Sept. 11, 1973. General Pinochet then headed a military government for 16 years (1974-1990) as he fought and defeated communist opponents in Chile.  Pinochet, at one time the right hand in the military of [[Salvador Allende]], believed Chile was in danger , and decided to take action. After the coup, 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 widely reguarded as fraudulent.  The Pinochet government was one of the most repressive in the Americas.  During his time in power over 3,000 people were killed or vanished.<ref>BBC profile http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6167237.stm</ref>

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 widely reguarded as fraudulent.  The Pinochet government was one of the most repressive in the Americas.  During his time in power over 3,000 people were killed or vanished.<ref>BBC profile http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6167237.stm</ref>  In addition, over a quarter million Chileans were arrested.  Universities were purged, books burned, and rival political parties banned.  Thousands fled the country out of fear of the secret police, which routinely tortured citizens.<ref>Augusto Pinochet Biography http://www.moreorless.au.com/killers/pinochet.html</ref>

A new constitution was adopted in Chile in 1981, which authorized General Pinochet to serve as president for another eight-year term, to be followed by a plebiscite on his presidency.

A new constitution was adopted in Chile in 1981, which authorized General Pinochet to serve as president for another eight-year term, to be followed by a plebiscite on his presidency.