126. Chile 50 Years On - socialism is possible but heroism isn't enough

Fifty years since it was crushed, the Chilean revolution of 1970-73 remains a reference point, not only in Chile, but internationally, for both the working class and its organisations - and the capitalist classes.

In Chile, in the wake of the 2019 mass movement, the legacy of the coup is again hotly contested.

The defenders of capitalism feel compelled to go further than ever before in justifying the bloody repression of the workers’ movement, insisting that, brutal as it was, it was necessary to “save” Chile from a “Marxist dictatorship”. In the English-speaking world too, many capitalist newspapers and magazines have devoted coverage to the anniversary, also repeating this line.

This reflects the ruling classes’ fear that in the crisis-ridden capitalism of the 2020s many Chiles potentially lie ahead. Therefore the burying of the real history of the Chilean revolution, and the justification of the horrors perpetrated against the heroic Chilean working class in the years after the coup, is an ideological front in today’s class struggle.

From the other side of the class barricades, the working class and radical youth, need to be armed with an understanding of the Chilean revolution, so that in the future, when the working class is again within reaching distance of a successful socialist revolution, it succeeds in conquering power and transforming society.

Get in touch

To contact the Socialist Party about this podcast or to find out about becoming a member:

www.socialistparty.org.uk

We also recommend checking out the CWI, with analysis of world events, and for those listening in other parts of the world, get in touch to join the fight for socialism in your country, that’s www.socialistworld.net

Further reading

Socialism Today September 2023 No.270

Chile 1973: Heroism was not enough. This article was first published in the September 1998 edition of Socialism Today, issue No.31, TONY SAUNOIS, secretary of the Committee for a Workers International (CWI), explains how this tragedy unfolded and the lessons that persist today.

https://socialismtoday.org/

NEW BOOK: Chile: The revolution - how and why it was crushed (pre-order)

The CWI is publishing a new book to bring the lessons of the Chilean revolution, and its crushing, to the new generation of working class and young activists. Written by Tony Saunois, CWI secretary, from 1984 Tony spent a number of years working in the underground opposition to the Pinochet dictatorship within Chile.

http://leftbooks.co.uk/Chile-The-revolution-how-and-why-it-was-crushed-pre-order

Also available at Socialism 2023

Socialism 2023

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November, Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AL

It will be an in-person weekend of discussion and debate on ideas to change the world hosted by the Socialist Party.

Tony will be among the many speakers introducing workshops where you will also have a chance to ask those questions forming in your head as you listen to this, to raise your own points, to argue if you wish. You will be among hundreds of socialist fighters – so it will be brilliant.

You will also be able to get your hands on copies of Tony’s book.

Socialism 2023 takes place on 25 and 26 November in London. You can buy a ticket that includes hostel accommodation, there’s a free creche throughout, and it will be brilliant.

For tickets and info: www.socialism.org.uk