Salvador Allende's inauguration as President of Chile was a landmark moment in both Chilean and Latin American history. He was a member of the Socialist Party and had previously served as a senator and held various ministerial positions. Allende's rise to the presidency was made possible by the electoral coalition known as Unidad Popular, which brought together a diverse group of leftist parties. The coalition's platform included comprehensive reforms aimed at addressing social inequalities and improving the welfare of the working class in Chile.

Allende's presidency was characterized by significant policies aimed at nationalization, particularly in the copper industry, which was a vital part of the Chilean economy. His government sought to redistribute land to peasants and provide free healthcare and education. However, these changes were met with both enthusiasm and resistance, leading to substantial polarization in Chilean society. Internationally, Allende's election was monitored closely, especially by the United States, which was concerned about the implications of a socialist government in Latin America during the Cold War.

The support for Allende was not universal; opposition from the right and from economic elites grew, fueled by fears of socialism and communist influence in the region. His administration faced economic challenges, marked by inflation and shortages, which exacerbated tensions between various sectors of society. Allende's presidency would ultimately lead to a turbulent political period in Chile, culminating in a military coup in 1973 that ousted him from power.