Chile history

Peru, Paraguay, Chile, and Ecuador joined United Nations

Chile declared war on Germany.

Nixon authorized a US-backed coup in Chile.

The 1975 US Church committee report on CIA activity in Chile included a chronology that covered this period.

Patricio Aylwin won presidential election; General Pinochet remained commander-in-chief of the army

Eduardo Frei elected president

General Pinochet retired from the army, appointed senator for life

45 young soldiers perish in a blizzard, prompting calls for an end to compulsory military service.

Unexpected eruption of Chaiten volcano which has been dormant for 9,000 years. Authorities order complete evacuation of two towns in Patagonian region.

Hundreds die and widespread damage is caused as massive earthquake strikes central Chile. The 8.8 magnitude quake is the biggest to hit the country in 50 years.