The Chilean Coup refers to the military takeover that occurred on September 11, 1973, when the Chilean Army, led by General Augusto Pinochet, overthrew the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende. This event marked the beginning of a military dictatorship that lasted nearly 17 years, during which political repression and human rights violations were widespread. The coup was influenced by various factors, including economic instability and political polarization in Chile. The United States government, concerned about the rise of socialism in Latin America, provided support to opposition groups, which contributed to the coup's success. The aftermath of the coup significantly shaped Chilean society and politics for decades.