Real Dictators: Episode Summary – "Pinochet Part 1: An Arrest in London"

Introduction

In the premiere episode of "Real Dictators," hosted by Paul McGann, the spotlight shines on General Augusto Pinochet, the former dictator of Chile infamous for his brutal regime. This episode meticulously traces Pinochet’s journey from his modest beginnings to his rise within the Chilean military, culminating in the events leading up to the September 11, 1973 coup. Through contributions from eyewitnesses and expert historians, the narrative delves deep into the political turmoil and personal motivations that defined Pinochet’s ascent to power.

Early Life of Augusto Pinochet

Augusto José Ramón Pinochet Ugarte was born on November 4, 1915, in Valparaíso, Chile, into a lower-middle-class family. His father, Augusto Pinochet Vera, worked as a customs inspector, while his mother, Avelina Ugarte Martínez, was a government employee. Raised in a conservative Catholic household alongside six siblings, Pinochet was instilled with strict discipline and a reverence for the national constitution from an early age.

Marc Anselco, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Dayton, Ohio, highlights Pinochet’s challenging entry into the military:
“Augusto Pinochet entered the military academy at age 15-16. On a second attempt, he was turned away from the army several times for being physically weak. Actually, a cart had run over him and led to a serious injury in his knee. And looked at one point, he was 15 years old. They were going to amputate his leg. History would be so different, right?” ([07:53])

Military Career and Early Encounters with Allende

Pinochet graduated from La Quinta Military Academy in Santiago in 1935, where he earned the nickname "the Donkey" for his reserved demeanor. Despite initial setbacks, his adherence to military discipline and order facilitated his steady rise through the ranks. In 1948, as the commandant of the Pissagua prison camp, Pinochet first encountered Salvador Allende, a burgeoning socialist leader. This encounter would significantly shape Pinochet’s future antagonism toward Allende’s ideologies.

John Bartlett, a journalist based in Santiago, observes:
“I don't think any of his fellow conscripts would ever have thought of him as president material or dictator material. He seems to be a relatively middling cadet when he first joined the army.” ([09:02])

The tense interaction between Pinochet and Allende at Pissagua marked the beginning of a profound ideological conflict. Pinochet later reflected on this experience as a pivotal moment that solidified his distrust and disdain for communism:
“I became convinced that we were mistaken about the Communist Party. It was not just another party, it was a system that turns things on their heads, dismissing any loyalty or any belief. I was troubled that these pernicious and contaminating ideas could continue to spread throughout Chile.” ([16:30])

Rise of Salvador Allende and US Interference

Salvador Allende, born in 1908, emerged as a charismatic leader advocating for socialist reforms in Chile. Despite multiple electoral defeats, Allende's popularity surged, culminating in his victory in the 1970 presidential election. However, his ascent alarmed the United States, particularly Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and President Richard Nixon, who were deeply entrenched in Cold War anti-communism.

Peter Kornbleau, a senior analyst at the National Security Archive, explains:
“Henry Kissinger with Richard Nixon became the architect of a protracted effort to undermine Salvador Allende's ability to govern, to make sure that Salvador Allende did not create what Kissinger called an insidious model that other countries in Latin America and Europe might follow.” ([29:10])

The US orchestrated a multifaceted campaign to destabilize Allende’s government, including economic sanctions, propaganda efforts, and covert operations aimed at fostering dissent within Chile.

Economic Reforms and Social Unrest in Chile

Upon taking office, President Allende embarked on a series of ambitious socialist reforms, including the nationalization of key industries and land redistribution. While these policies initially garnered support from workers and the lower classes, they also led to economic instability characterized by hyperinflation, shortages of essential goods, and widespread strikes.

John Bartlett notes:
“Food supplies were dwindling. They had these kind of State run grocery stores in the country. Food production was centralized as well, and people were queuing up for hours to get supplies, basic supplies, flour, sugar, from grocery stores in Santiago and around Chile.” ([33:15])

The "March of the Empty Pots," a symbolic protest led by thousands of women, epitomized the growing discontent among the populace:
“The march is attended by thousands of women from a range of social backgrounds. There are more violent clashes. A state of emergency is imposed along with a curfew. There is hyperinflation, empty shelves in shops.” ([33:45])

These economic hardships, exacerbated by the US-led economic blockade, intensified opposition to Allende’s administration, setting the stage for military intervention.

The Path to the 1973 Coup

As Chile plunged into economic turmoil and social unrest, dissent within the military grew. Augusto Pinochet, newly appointed as commander in chief of the Chilean army on August 23, 1973, found himself at a crossroads. Despite his conservative leanings and personal opposition to Allende’s socialist policies, Pinochet maintained a facade of constitutional loyalty.

Peter Kornbleau elaborates:
“Pinochet clearly was part of it. It’s just I think that in terms of the command structure and his ability to push this, he was somewhat of a Johnny come lately.” ([40:56])

Under pressure from his wife, Lucia Iriart, a staunch opponent of Allende, Pinochet ultimately chose to support the coup. Lucia played a pivotal role in swaying his decision:
“They’re going to be slaves because you haven't been able to make a decision, effectively forcing his hand and telling him that he should sign up to the coup d'etat, which of course he duly did.” ([42:38])

On September 11, 1973, Pinochet led military forces in a swift and decisive overthrow of Allende, marking the beginning of his 17-year dictatorship. The coup d'etat was characterized by extreme violence and the suppression of political dissent, establishing Pinochet’s infamous regime.

Conclusion and Lead into Next Episode

The episode concludes with the culmination of Pinochet’s rise to power and sets the stage for the brutal regime that would follow. The September 11, 1973 coup not only solidified Pinochet’s control over Chile but also had lasting impacts on the nation’s political landscape. The next installment promises to explore the immediate aftermath of the coup and the extensive human rights abuses that ensued under Pinochet’s rule.

Notable Quotes

• Marc Anselco ([07:53]):
  “Augusto Pinochet entered the military academy at age 15-16. On a second attempt, he was turned away from the army several times for being physically weak. Actually, a cart had run over him and led to a serious injury in his knee. And looked at one point, he was 15 years old. They were going to amputate his leg. History would be so different, right?”

• John Bartlett ([09:02]):
  “I don't think any of his fellow conscripts would ever have thought of him as president material or dictator material. He seems to be a relatively middling cadet when he first joined the army.”

• Peter Kornbleau ([18:31]):
  “Chile has always been an extremely unique country in Latin America and the world. Really a pioneer for various types of political experimentation, Chile was the country where Salvador Allende, the Socialist Party, became fixtures of the traditional modern political system.”

• John Bartlett ([22:24]):
  “President Nixon's White House was wrapped by the Cold War. I mean, this all happened in a context of global anti communism. There was huge fears and trepidation as to what might happen should the global left or the communist sympathizers win.”

• Peter Kornbleau ([29:10]):
  “Henry Kissinger with Richard Nixon became the architect of a protracted effort to undermine Salvador Allende's ability to govern, to make sure that Salvador Allende did not create what Kissinger called an insidious model that other countries in Latin America and Europe might follow.”

• John Bartlett ([42:38]):
  “So Pinochet later wrote in his memoirs that on the eve of the coup d'etat his wife, Lucia Iriart ... took her husband, took a Wustel Pinochet into their children's bedroom while they were asleep and said to her husband, they're going to be slaves because you haven't been able to make a decision, effectively forcing his hand and telling him that he should sign up to the coup d'etat, which of course he duly did.”

Final Thoughts

"Pinochet Part 1: An Arrest in London" offers a comprehensive examination of Augusto Pinochet's rise to power, intertwining personal anecdotes with broader geopolitical maneuvers. By dissecting the intricate interplay between Chilean politics, US foreign policy, and Pinochet’s personal ambitions, the episode provides listeners with an in-depth understanding of one of history’s most controversial dictators. Stay tuned for the next episode, which promises to delve into the immediate consequences of the coup and the establishment of Pinochet’s authoritarian regime.