Overview of Land and History 29the US government was to blame, not only will you show
your ignorance of the facts and lack of understanding of the
situation prior to the coup, but you will also be arrogantly
overstating the power and influence of the US on Chilean
politics. Pinochet was in no way a puppet of the US.
Allende’s memory is preserved today with great respect
and admiration by his supporters on the left and by many
around the world who see him as a political hero who died
for his ideals. For many others, however, Allende will always
be associated with chaos and disruption.
General Augusto Pinochet
Following the coup, a military junta comprised of the
commanders-in-chief of the four armed forces: the army,
navy, air force and Carabineros (uniformed national police),
seized control of the government. Eventually, General
Augusto Pinochet, head of the army, emerged as the leader
of the junta. Many who had ties with the communist and
socialist parties were rounded up and detained. Most were
painfully tortured to extract information on other members
or activists. Some detainees were released, some imprisoned
and many forced into exile. Others were executed or simply
disappeared. To the victims’ family members, this is the
worst of all possible situations. Figures vary depending upon
the source, but estimates range from 2,000 to 6,000 people
‘disappeared’ during the dictatorship.
The junta dissolved Congress, suspended the constitution,
declared all political parties illegal and disbanded labour
unions. In order to maintain tight control, the junta restricted
the media, imposed a 9:00 pm curfew and took over the
universities. A secret and highly feared police force was in
charge of silencing dissent.
For those suspected of having supported the Allende
government life became a nightmare, but for others the
coup represented a return to stability. Food and other items
were once again available in stores. Many who initially
supported the coup believed that power would soon be
handed back to the civilian government. As time passed,
however, and General Pinochet consolidated his power, it