Salvador Allende

Full Name: Salvador Guillermo Allende Gossens
Profession: Marxist and President of Chile

Nationality:

Biography: Salvador Allende served as the president of Chile from 1970 until his death in 1973. He was the first Marxist to be democratically elected as the head of state in a country in the Americas.

Allende's political career spanned nearly four decades. He co-founded the Socialist Party of Chile in 1933 and served as Minister of Health in 1938. He was elected as a senator in 1945 and later served as the president of the Chilean Senate in 1966.

Allende ran for the presidency in 1952, 1958, and 1964 before being elected in 1970 as the candidate of the Popular Unity coalition. As president, he pursued a policy he called "The Chilean Way to Socialism," which included nationalizing major industries, expanding education, and improving the living standards of the working class. This led to tensions with right-wing opposition parties and the United States government.

On September 11, 1973, the Chilean military, with support from the CIA, staged a coup against Allende. As troops surrounded the presidential palace, Allende gave his last speech, vowing not to resign. He died by suicide in his office later that day.

Allende’s death marked the end of Chile's long period of democratic rule and the beginning of Augusto Pinochet's military dictatorship, which lasted until 1990.

Born: June 26, 1908
Birthplace: Valparaíso, Chile

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: September 11, 1973 (aged 65)
Cause of Death: Widely believed to have committed suicide by shooting himself during the military takeover of power in Chile although rumors he was assassinated by the military persist.