1932-38. 2001. The Encyclopedia of World History

The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001.


1932–38

The Alessandri government, supported by a coalition of Conservative and Liberal parties, assumed greater control of economic activity, enacting far-reaching social reforms. Marked improvement of economic conditions after 1933 did not, however, relieve the political tension. Alessandri faced severe challenges from Chilean Nazis as well as from a growing Left-Center movement. In both instances he used repression to reduce the opposition. After 1936 a growing number of Left and centrist parties coalesced into the Chilean Popular Front.	1

1938, Sept. 5

A Fascist (Nacista) uprising proved abortive.	2

1938–41

In the ensuing elections the parties of the Left elected Pedro Aguirre Cerda, Radical, president. The POPULAR FRONT ticket consolidated movements from the Left and center (the Radicals, Communists, and Socialists), and was supported by small shopkeepers, professionals, public employees, traditional liberals, feminist organizations, and the working classes. Generally backing Radical candidates in public office, it also led the call for state-subsidized industrialization in Chile. The new regime embarked on a policy of helping the worker (low bread prices, housing, education), despite strong protests from large landholders, who retained control of politics in rural areas.	3

1943, Jan. 20

Chile severed diplomatic relations with Germany, Italy, and Japan. (See Chile)	4


The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.