POPULAR FRONT (CHILE): HISTORY, CHARACTERISTICS AND IDEAS - HISTORY - 2024

The Popular Front was a coalition created between various Chilean political parties for the 1938 elections. It began in 1936 and lasted until 1941, when internal disagreements dissolved it. The Popular Front concept came from a Europe in which the coming to power of fascist parties, such as the Nazi in Germany, caused serious concern.

The Spanish Civil War also influenced the creation of these agreements. It was the European communists who bet on expanding the traditional base of their followers, knowing that it was the best way to win elections. However, in Chile the central nucleus of the coalition belongs to the Radical Party.

From left to right: Pedro Aguirre Cerda and Arturo Alessandri

In this party there was an ideological mix and it was located in the center of the political spectrum. Together with radicals and communists, the Socialist Party, the Democratic Party and the Socialist Radical Party participated in the Popular Front. In addition, different social organizations located on the left joined.

The experience, at least in the electoral field, was a success. The Popular Front managed to win the 1938 elections and its candidate, the radical Pedro Aguirre Cerda, was named president.

History

International context

The 1930s of the 20th century saw fascist movements rise in various countries, coming to power in Germany, Italy and, after a civil war, in Spain.

For its part, the Soviet Union established itself as the only socialist country, which made it a benchmark for left-wing groups throughout the world.

The different communist parties realized that the characteristic frontism of the 1920s had not served to achieve power. So they tried to change the strategy and broaden the base of support.

The system, as the Bulgarian Georgi Dimitrov pointed out in 1935, was to try to form alliances with organizations with which they shared the anti-fascist vision.

The tool to achieve these alliances would be the popular fronts. These were successful in Spain (before the war), in France and, finally, in Chile.

First steps

Politics in Chile also noted the changes that were taking place worldwide. Already in the 1920s, various movements had emerged that opposed the oligarchy that had led the country for a long time. Within these organizations were the Communist and Socialist Parties.

In addition, the Radical Party was abandoning conservative positions to position itself in the political center, with part of the party with a clear anti-oligarchic vision.

It was the Communist Party, following the strategy of the popular fronts, which proposed the creation of a great coalition in which progressive parties and organizations would participate; for them, it was the best way to confront the right, then in government.

Creation of the Popular Front

The first to accept the communists' proposal was the Radical Party. Throughout 1936, the components of the party assemblies were giving the go-ahead to the alliance. Elections were scheduled for 1938, but the coalition began to function as an opposition front to President Arturo Alessandri.

Two years later it was the Socialists who joined the alliance. After them, the Democratic Party and the Radical Socialist Party gave the go-ahead.

Finally, organizations and unions such as the Confederación de Trabajadores de Chile (CTCH), some student groups such as the Federación de Estudiantes de Chile (FECH) or the Movimiento Pro-emancipación de las Mujeres de Chile (MEMCH) finished forming the Frente Popular.

1938 elections

The first step in facing the elections was the choice of a common candidate. For this, a presidential convention was called, attended by 400 radical delegates, 300 socialists, 160 communists, 120 democratic and 120 from the CTCH.

In the first ballots no one got a sufficient majority to be elected a candidate. The first results put Aguirre Cerda, of the Radical Party, in the lead; and Marmaduke Grove from the Socialist. In the end, the latter decided to withdraw their candidacy and support the radical. In this way, Aguirre Cerda was invested as a candidate.

Apart from the representative of the Popular Front, the other candidates for the presidency were the conservative Gustavo Ross and the ex-dictator Ibáñez del Campo. The latter ended up withdrawing his candidacy after the failed coup attempt by a group of young Nazis.

By a narrow margin, the winner was Pedro Aguirre Cerda, with which the Popular Front achieved its objective of changing the government.

Dissolution of the Popular Front

Despite a government action that launched many social policies, the Popular Front immediately began to have internal problems.

The first to show their discontent were the Communists. In fact, they did not want to take over any ministry and continued to organize strikes and demonstrations. Likewise, there was a great rivalry with the Socialists, since both fought for the same electoral base.

As the 1941 elections approached, the Socialist Party decided to abandon the Front and present itself. This and the death of President Aguirre Cerda spelled the end of the coalition, although the remaining parties (Communist, Radical and Democratic) still ran together and won the new votes.

Characteristics and ideology

The union of a center party - the Radical, close to the bourgeoisie and with landlord components - with the communists and socialists was not easy ideologically. Although the Radicals had assumed social democratic traits, there were considerable differences in doctrine.

For this reason, more than a common ideology, there was an agreement on minimum points that should be carried out to improve the country.

Anti-fascism and anti-authoritarianism

The conservative government of Alessandri had based its authority on the repression of opponents, workers and students. Furthermore, a party with Nazi overtones had appeared in Chile: the National Socialist Party.

The common rejection of all the components of the Popular Front to the repression of Alessandri and the need to prevent the Nazis from coming to power are at the heart of the creation of the coalition.

Likewise, they agreed on the rejection of the oligarchy continuing to govern the country and on democratizing the institutions. In this aspect there was a clash between the middle class, which embodied the Radical Party, and the communist and socialist working class, but the common enemy made an agreement be reached.

Ultimately, the Popular Front advocated restoring the principles of democracy, emphasizing freedom, solidarity and the fight against imperialism. The aim was to help the middle class and the working class as opposed to the powerful.

Economy

It was a member of the Radical Party who summed up the economic ideology of the Popular Front. Thus, Justiniano Sotomayor declared in the Chamber of Deputies that the alliance intended to achieve the economic independence of Chile, removing it from the clutches of imperialism.

In fact, the program was closer to the doctrines of Keynes than to communism. This was intended to create a Welfare State, with the basic needs of citizens covered and with the State participating in economic activity.

The Popular Front proposed to accelerate the industrial development of the country, favoring its nationals over foreign companies.

To do this, they founded the CORFO project (Corporation for the Promotion of National Production), which was linked to the creation of industries.

In the same way, they imposed tariffs on foreign products, so that nationals could compete on prices.

References

1. Chilean Encyclopedia. Popular front. Retrieved from es.wikisource.org
2. Saint Francis, Alexander. Radical era. The formation of the Popular Front in Chile. 1935-1938. Obtained from eldemocrata.cl
3. Chilean Memory. The Popular Front (1936-1941). Obtained from memoriachilena.cl
4. US Library of Congress. Popular Front Rule, 1938-41. Recovered from countrystudies.us
5. Corkill, David R. The Chilean Socialist Party and The Popular Front 1933-41. Recovered from journals.sagepub.com
6. Paul W. Drake, Cesar N. Caviedes. Chile. Retrieved from britannica.com
7. Encyclopedia of Latin American History and Culture. Popular Front. Retrieved from encyclopedia.com