Learn About Augusto Pinochet: Age, Birthdate, Zodiac Sign & More

Early Life

Augusto Pinochet was born on November 25, 1915, in Valparaiso, Chile. He grew up in a middle-class family and had dreams of a military career from a young age. Pinochet joined the military academy in 1933 and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a general in the Chilean army.

Rise to Power

On September 11, 1973, Pinochet led a military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende. He established himself as the leader of the military junta that took control of Chile, ruling with an iron fist for the next 17 years. During his time in power, Pinochet implemented harsh measures to suppress dissent and opposition, leading to widespread human rights abuses.

Economic Reforms

• Pinochet implemented significant economic reforms during his time in power, moving the Chilean economy towards a free-market system. He privatized hundreds of state-controlled industries, deregulated the economy, and opened up the country to foreign investment.

Communist-Eradication Program

• Pinochet also launched a communist-eradication program, targeting political opponents real and imagined. The army conducted massive crackdowns on dissent, leading to the disappearance and death of thousands of Chileans.

Controversy and Arrest

• In 1998, Pinochet was arrested in England on human rights charges. The case sparked worldwide controversy, with many calling for his extradition to face justice for his crimes. However, Pinochet was ultimately released on health grounds.

Family Life

Pinochet was married to Maria Lucía Hiriart Rodríguez and had two sons and three daughters. Despite his brutal and authoritarian rule, Pinochet was known to be a devoted family man and doting father.

Legacy

Augusto Pinochet's legacy remains highly controversial in Chile and around the world. While some view him as a decisive leader who rescued Chile from political and economic turmoil, others condemn him for his human rights abuses and authoritarian rule. His regime left a lasting impact on the country, shaping its politics and society for decades to come.

Associated Criticism

In 2003, then-Secretary of State Colin Powell publicly expressed his regret over the American support for Pinochet during his time in power, calling it a dark moment in American history. The legacy of Augusto Pinochet continues to be a contentious issue, with debates over his actions and their consequences still ongoing.