Who was the socialist president of Chile overthrown in a coup in 1973?

• A. Salvador Allende
• B. Augusto Pinochet
• C. Michelle Bachelet
• D. Pablo Neruda

Answer: (A)

The key fact here is identifying Salvador Allende as the socialist president whose government was toppled in the 1973 Chilean coup. Allende, elected in 1970 as the leader of the Unidad Popular, attempted to implement socialist reforms through democratic means, including nationalizing key industries and expanding social programs. Facing fierce opposition from domestic business interests, parts of the military, and external pressures, his government was overthrown in a September 11, 1973 coup led by General Augusto Pinochet. Allende died during the assault, marking the end of his presidency and the start of Pinochet’s long dictatorship. The other names listed were not the socialist president who was forced out in 1973: Pinochet was the coup leader, Michelle Bachelet later became president in a different era, and Pablo Neruda was a renowned poet, not a president.