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Salvador Allende Gossens (July 26, 1908 - September 11, 1973) was the President of Chile from 1970 until overthrown in a military coup in 1973.

Born in Valparaiso, Chile, Allende was a co-founder of Chile's socialist party and served as minister in his party's governments and as the Chairman of the Chilean Senate. In his fourth Presidential campaign in 1970, he won the Presidency despite massive electoral fraud in his adversary's favor. For example, US businesses channeling money to fund the Alessandri campaign.

Once elected, the US CIA ran propaganda operations to incite Chile's president Frei to block Allende's ratification as President by the Congress. This operation also failed and Allende finally took office. At that point, Allende started to implement socialist programs in Chile, which divided the Chilean people.

In 1973, when high inflation and shortages affected the country, the Chilean military staged a coup against President Allende, led by Augusto Pinochet Ugarte. Although the CIA denies active supporting in the coup and claims that it was merely informed of it, many believe that the CIA was much more actively involved in the coup than it has admitted. During the capture of the Presidential Palace, Allende was said by the coup leaders to have committed suicide, although it is widely believed he was killed.

"Not a nut or bolt shall reach Chile under Allende. Once Allende comes to power we shall do all within our power to condemn Chile and all Chileans to utmost deprivation and poverty."

US Ambassador to Chile, Korry in 1970 upon hearing of Allende's election