<P> 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 . '' </P>
this dictator and commander of chile 's army ruled the country from 1973 to 1990
General Augusto Pinochet