Editing Salvador Allende (section)

==Political Career==
Allende’s political career spanned four decades, during which he became a leading figure in Chile’s Socialist Party and a champion of social justice.

	1	Early Roles (1933–1945):
	◦	In 1933, Allende co-founded the Socialist Party of Chile, advocating for workers’ rights, land reform, and anti-imperialism. Unlike the Communist Party, the Socialists emphasized democratic socialism.
	◦	He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1937, representing Valparaíso and Quillota, and focused on healthcare and labor reforms. In 1939, he served as Minister of Health under President Pedro Aguirre Cerda, implementing programs to combat poverty and disease.
	◦	Allende was elected to the Senate in 1945, a position he held until 1970, becoming a prominent voice for nationalizing Chile’s copper industry, controlled by U.S. companies like Anaconda and Kennecott.

	2	Presidential Campaigns (1952–1964):
	◦	Allende ran for president in 1952, 1958, and 1964, representing leftist coalitions. He lost each time, partly due to U.S. interference. In 1964, the CIA spent millions to support Eduardo Frei Montalva of the Christian Democratic Party, fearing Allende’s Marxist platform, as documented in declassified U.S. records.
	◦	His campaigns emphasized “the Chilean Way to Socialism,” a democratic path to social reform, distinguishing him from Soviet-style communism.

	3	Popular Unity and 1970 Election:
	◦	In 1970, Allende led the Popular Unity coalition, uniting Socialists, Communists, and other leftist parties. He won the presidency on September 4, 1970, with 36.6% of the vote in a three-way race, narrowly defeating Jorge Alessandri (34.9%) and Radomiro Tomic (27.8%).
	◦	Lacking a majority, his election required Congressional approval. The U.S., under President Richard Nixon, pressured Chile’s Congress to block Allende, with Nixon ordering the CIA to “make the economy scream,” as revealed in declassified documents. Allende was confirmed on October 24, 1970, after agreeing to a constitutional guarantee of democratic principles.