Latin American Dictators

Latin America has had a long tradition of dictators, supported by conservatives and friends of the military. A recent posting dealt with objections to listing Brazil among countries with dictatorships, objections based on reading my use of the word ¨period¨ as referring strictly to the 50s. This was not my intention. A similar objection comes from our Chilean friend Carlos Lopez, who writes ¨¨Also, please scratch Chile." Again, the uninformed might get the impression that Chile has been free of dictators, which is certainly not the case. The period 1925 to 32 was characterized by military interventions. Following a rigged election, Carlos Ibanez took over the presidency with the help of the military in 1927. Faced with the threat of civil war, he fled to Argentina in 1931. Chaos followed, and in 1932 An air-force commander Marmaduke Grove established the Socialist Party, a socialist republic, and a government which lasted twelve days. I would like to know more about him. Where did he get that weird name and his ideas? Arturo Alessandri, a democratic president from 1920 to 1925, was re-elected and restored democracy. This background is necessary because Ibanez returned to power in 1952. His political orientation was clear when he welcomed Peron to Chile. He was president until 1958, and it is questionable whether he could be described as a democrat. Inviting foreign leaders is an indication of political orientation, and Salvador Allende, president from 1970 to 1973, showed his when he welcomed Fidel Castro to Chile. When he was overthrown by the military in 1973, he committed suicide with the gun given him by Castro. I knew him, and he impressed me as a well-meaning but incompetent demagogue. From 1973 to 1990, Chile was under military rule, the principle figure being Pinochet. Although he is denounced as a war criminal, many Chileans, including Carlos Lopez, defend him as having saved Chile from chaos. I leave it to WAISers to say if Chile should be scratched.

Ronald Hilton - 10/11/01