Chile
This extensive collection focuses primarily on the advent of the elected socialist Presidency of Salvador Allende in Chile and the 1973 fascist coup against Allende, engineered by the CIA and led by General Augusto Pinochet, with the massive repression against the left and all progressive forces that followed. Many of these materials were used in the production of Chile: The Promise of Freedom by the Freedom Archives.
This collection also features materials of the MIR (Revolutionary Left Movement) in Chile, a Marxist paramilitary guerrilla organization. Formed in 1965, the MIR emerged from various student groups centered in Santiago, and later developed a base in various industrial trade union organizations. After the coup d’état and overthrow of popularly elected socialist Salvador Allende in 1973, the organization was forced underground while they attempted to establish a guerilla front against the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. The Pinochet regime successful targeting and murder of thousands of MIR party members drastically impacted the organization's success, however after 1990 and the democratization of Chile, the party reemerged.
This collection also features materials of the MIR (Revolutionary Left Movement) in Chile, a Marxist paramilitary guerrilla organization. Formed in 1965, the MIR emerged from various student groups centered in Santiago, and later developed a base in various industrial trade union organizations. After the coup d’état and overthrow of popularly elected socialist Salvador Allende in 1973, the organization was forced underground while they attempted to establish a guerilla front against the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. The Pinochet regime successful targeting and murder of thousands of MIR party members drastically impacted the organization's success, however after 1990 and the democratization of Chile, the party reemerged.
Documents
Joan Jara interview
Interview by Nina Serrano with Joan Jara, the wife of Victor Jara, discussing his life. Joan reads a poem entitled, "Estadio Chile - Message of hope in spite of the horror.” She describes how this poem was smuggled out.
We Will Go Together-United by Blood/There was Never Torture in My Country
Two programs on the 1973 coup in Chile, produced by Frances Emley. The first is a long interview with Joan Jara on her husband Victor Jara’s life and death. The second program documents torture in Chile, and is framed by the Junta’s ambassador claiming that “there is no torture in my country.” At end a 4-minute poem/song. Hum on cut one.
What is the MIR? Notes on the History of the MIR: Miguel Enriquez Collection (Documents from Chile on Party Building)
Contents include notes on the history of the MIR: how the organization was founded, the history preceding the foundation, basic political concepts of the MIR, the general history up to the writing of the periodical in 1974.
Chilean Resistance Courier: Orientations for Mass Work
Contents of the periodical include: orientations for the MIR's mass work, the growth of the party on all fronts, an interview with Juan Olivares, and Pobladores (people) in the resistance struggle.
NICH Presents: Introduction to Chile (A Cartoon History)
A cartoon history of Chile from colonial history to 1976.
Chile 3 and 4
A panel of representatives from the Socialist and Communist parties in South America speak on various issues facing Chile after the coup d'etat in September of 1973. Topics discussed include: Chile's natural resources, boycotting imports from countries supporting the military Junta, United States support of Pinochet's fascist repression of the Unidad Popular, information of disappeared people and the National Liberation Movement's fight to regain socialist momentum. Speakers reflect on the effectiveness of Allende's Socialist party's dedication to equality for women, and the failures of the party's armed forces.
Chile 5 and 6
A panel of representatives from the socialist and communist parties in South America speak on various issues facing Chile after the coup d'tat in September of 1973. Speakers discuss the history of Chile's armed forces, why these armed forces provided insufficient defense during the coup, the Junta's political prisoners, and the United State's involvement in the demise of the Unidad Popular.
The International Policies of the MIR: Miguel Enriquez Collection
Contents include an outline of the MIR's history and an explanation of its tactical and strategic principles for revolutionary struggle and party building.
Chile 7 and 8
A panel of representatives from the Unidad Popular on their resistance to the Fascist dictatorship that took over Chile in the coup d'etat in September of 1973. The panel discusses the Socialist Alliance as a combination of communists, socialists, workers, the Radical Party and members of the Christian Left. Speakers outline expanding the Unidad popular outside of Chile and South America, keeping the working class at the center of the movement but incorporating members of the "petty bourgeoisie" and the "middle bourgeoisie."
Interview with Volodia Teitelboim
Fernando Alegria interviews author, Senator, and Chilean Communist Party leader Volodia Teitelboim on the Congressional elections in Chile and threats against the Allende government.
