Augusto Pinochet

Date of Birth: November 25, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: December 10, 2006

Biography

Augusto José Ramón Pinochet Ugarte was a Chilean Army General who became the head of state of Chile from 1973 to 1990 after leading a coup d’état that ousted President Salvador Allende. Born on November 25, 1915, in Valparaíso, Chile, Pinochet was a career military officer who rose through the ranks to become Army Commander-in-Chief in 1973. On September 11, 1973, he led a military junta that overthrew the socialist government, marking the beginning of a 17-year-long military dictatorship. During his rule, Pinochet implemented widespread economic reforms often referred to as “neoliberal” policies, which were influenced by the Chicago Boys, a group of Chilean economists trained at the University of Chicago. While these policies led to significant economic growth and modernization, they were also accompanied by severe human rights abuses. The Pinochet regime was responsible for the torture, disappearance, and execution of thousands of political opponents. Pinochet stepped down from the presidency in 1990 but remained as the Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Army until 1998. After leaving the army, he became a Senator-for-life. His arrest in London in 1998 on charges of human rights violations sparked international controversy and led to a series of legal battles. He was eventually released on medical grounds and returned to Chile, where he faced multiple legal challenges but was never convicted before his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Augusto Pinochet

1. Augusto Pinochet led the military coup on September 11, 1973, that overthrew the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende.

2. Pinochet’s economic policies were heavily influenced by the “Chicago Boys,” economists trained at the University of Chicago.

3. During his regime, approximately 3,000 people were killed or disappeared, and thousands more were tortured or imprisoned.

4. In 1998, Pinochet was arrested in London on a Spanish warrant charging him with human rights violations, marking the first time a former head of state was detained on such charges.

5. Despite numerous legal battles and charges, Pinochet was never convicted of any crimes before his death in 2006.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Augusto Pinochet

1. “Sometimes democracy must be bathed in blood.”

2. “We have to act with energy. We have to act without hesitation.”

3. “I am not a dictator, and I do not think I will become one. I will not maintain power with the help of a gun.”

4. “I regret nothing. I did what had to be done.”

5. “History will judge me.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his power, Augusto Pinochet’s wealth was estimated to be around $28 million, much of which was discovered in secret offshore bank accounts.

Children

Augusto Pinochet had five children with his wife, Lucía Hiriart Rodríguez: 1. Inés Lucía Pinochet Hiriart 2. Augusto Osvaldo Pinochet Hiriart 3. María Verónica Pinochet Hiriart 4. Jacqueline Marie Pinochet Hiriart 5. Marco Antonio Pinochet Hiriart