Evaluate the reasons for, and the consequences of, Nixon’s covert operations in Chile.

Candidates are required to appraise the reasons why Nixon used covert operations against Chile and the Allende government and the consequences of those actions both in Chile and in the US.

Indicative content

Reasons

• The reasons for covert operations begin with the US policy of containment and the fear that another communist government was being established in the hemisphere. It was thought that this communist government might lead to other communist governments in Latin America.
• Another concern could be the impact on American businesses in Chile with the possibility of them being nationalized.

Consequences

• The consequences of the actions include the undermining of the Chilean economy and the destabilization of Allende’s government, and the assassination of Chilean General Rene Schneider because he was seen as unwilling to support a coup. In September 1973, the military did stage a coup resulting in the overthrow of Allende’s democratically elected government and in his death.
• Pinochet quickly established a repressive government that arrested perhaps more than 10,000 Chileans within the first few months of the coup. Despite years of human rights abuses, Pinochet continued to be supported by the US. Domestically, Nixon, his Secretary of State Kissinger and the CIA were blamed for the coup. In 1975, the US Senate, through the Church Committee, attempted to uncover the actions taken by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and prevent such actions in the future. President Ford issued an executive order forbidding US sanctioned assassinations of foreign leaders.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]