(July 26, 1908-September 11, 1973)
Founded the Chilean Socialist Party (1933)
Senator (1945-1970)
President of Chile (1970-73)
First Marxist to be democratically elected
Overthrown in a military coup aided by the CIA (1973)

He was a devoted Marxist.
He ran unsuccessfully for president in 1952, 1958, and 1964.
He may have eventually created a communist state in Chile.
His attempts to nationalize industries and land reforms earned him many enemies in the middle and upper classes.
The United States tried to encourage his overthrow by discouraging investment, blocking international aid, and financially aiding his opponents.
Violence, land and factory seizures, strikes, and protests were common throughout his presidency.
Richard Nixon referred to him as an S.O.B. and a bastard and ordered the CIA to do everything to prevent him from becoming president.
It is unknown whether he died from a self-inflicted gunshot, was assassinated by coup soldiers, or was burned when the presidential office was set on fire.

He grew-up in an upper middle class family, yet became known as a champion of the poor.
As Minister of Health he established health and insurance benefits for working women.
His policies, called the 'Chilean Road,' pushed for socialism through democratic legislation and peace rather then through violent revolution.
He was overthrown in a violent military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet.
After his overthrow, Chile experienced 16 years of military dictatorship.

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