The military dictatorship of Chile (Spanish: dictadura militar de Chile) was an authoritarian military government that ruled Chile between 1973 and 1990. The dictatorship was established after the democratically - elected socialist government of Salvador Allende was overthrown by a CIA - backed coup d'état on 11 September 1973. During this time, the country was ruled by a military junta headed by General Augusto Pinochet. The military used the perceived "breakdown '' of democracy and the economic crisis that took place during Allende 's presidency to justify its seizure of power. The dictatorship presented its mission as a "national reconstruction. ''
this dictator and commander of chile's army ruled the country from 1973 to 1990
General Augusto Pinochet