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Eduardo Frei Montalva: Revolution in Liberty and Chile in the Cold War

Hassan Cox

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Published in The Gathering Storm: Eduardo Frei S Revolution In Liberty And Chile S Cold War (The United States In The World)

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Eduardo Frei Montalva was a Chilean politician who served as President of Chile from 1964 to 1970. A Christian Democrat, Frei played a pivotal role in the country's transition to democracy, the Cold War, and relations with the United States.

The Gathering Storm: Eduardo Frei's Revolution in Liberty and Chile's Cold War (The United States in the World)

by Daisaku Ikeda

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	270 pages

Frei's Early Life and Career

Frei was born in Santiago, Chile, in 1911. He studied law at the University of Chile and became involved in politics while still a student. He joined the Christian Democratic Party in 1938 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming party president in 1945.

Frei was elected to the Chilean Senate in 1949 and served until 1964. During his time in the Senate, he became known as a leading advocate for social justice and economic reform. He also played a key role in the development of the Christian Democratic Party's ideology, which combined Christian values with a commitment to democracy and social progress.

Frei's Presidency

In 1964, Frei was elected President of Chile. He took office at a time of great social and economic unrest in the country. The economy was in shambles, and there was widespread poverty and inequality. Frei's government launched a series of ambitious reforms aimed at addressing these problems, including land redistribution, education reform, and the creation of a national health system.

Frei's reforms were met with resistance from both the left and the right. The left argued that his reforms did not go far enough, while the right accused him of being a communist. Despite the opposition, Frei's government made significant progress in improving the lives of ordinary Chileans. The economy grew, poverty was reduced, and access to education and healthcare was expanded.

Frei and the Cold War

Frei's presidency also coincided with the Cold War. Chile was a key battleground in the global struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. Frei was a staunch anti-communist and a close ally of the United States. However, he also sought to maintain Chile's independence and sovereignty.

In 1967, Frei hosted a meeting of American and Latin American leaders in Punta del Este, Uruguay. The meeting resulted in the signing of the Declaration of the Americas, which condemned communism and called for the promotion of democracy and economic development in the region.

Frei's Legacy

Frei's presidency ended in 1970. He was succeeded by Salvador Allende, a socialist who led Chile down a path of radical social and economic change. Allende's government was overthrown in a military coup in 1973, and Chile entered a period of dictatorship that lasted until 1990.

Frei died in 1982. He is remembered as one of Chile's most important presidents. His reforms helped to improve the lives of millions of Chileans, and his commitment to democracy and social justice continues to inspire Chileans today.