 Chile experiences a large scale repression after the coup.  Ruled by a 4 man military junta headed by General Pinochet

 The junta abolishes all political parties, supported civil liberties, dissolved Congress, banned union activities, prohibited strikes and collective bargaining, and erased Allende’s agrarian and economic reforms.  Jailed and put to death thousands of Chileans.  Set up 6 concentration camps.  War on Democracy: Chile War on Democracy: Chile

 Influenced by a group of economists that studied at the U of Chicago under Milton Friedman.  They implemented neoliberal and free market doctrines.  Public spending was cut, all state companies privatized, the peso was devalued, and import duties sharply reduced.

 Superficial & Short lived  Foreign loans went to Chilean banks that profited by borrowing at 12% and lending at 35 to 40%.  Problem = The borrowing companies did not invest in production, but used the loans for speculation in real estate.

 Bankruptcies multiplied  Sharp Decline in Production  Unemployment rose 30% and wages fell 20%  Earthquake of 1985  Chile’s foreign debt in 1991 was in per capita terms one of the heaviest debt burdens in the world.

 Policy of swapping debt for ownership of Chilean industries and natural resources.  Results in growth of foreign control of the economy.

 Great landowners profited  Rural population lost land, profits, suffered police repression, and endured chronic unemployment.  Farm workers were prevented from forming unions and denied welfare benefits.  The situation was even worse in urban areas (unemployment / living conditions).

 Pinochet damaged women’s social position in society.  He restored potestad marital, authorizing a husband’s legal control over his wife and her property.  Eliminated women’s protective labor legislation.  Restricted access to unemployment compensation.  Disqualified women for legislative positions.  Reduced women’s median income.

 Women’s Department organizes public demonstrations against Pinochet.  Women’s anti-dictatorial struggles also become increasingly anti-patriarchal as well.  “Democracy in the nation and in the home.”

 Pinochet calls a Plebiscite (1988), in which Chileans voted 54.6% to 43% to deny him a new term as president.  Pinochet would still stay in power for 1 more year until his successor was elected, be head of the military council, appoint 1/3 of the Senate, and become a Senator for life.  The meant a continued influence of Pinochet’s economic, political, and social policies to varying degrees on Chile and future administrations.