The Battle of Chile 1, The Insurrection of the Bourgeoisie

The first of four films by Patricio Guzman covering the last days of the Salvadore Allende led government in Chile, and the new neo-fascist government of Gen Augusto Pinochet. This section is called The Insurrection of the Bourgeoisie, and was released in 1975.

Chile in a state of deep division, with a revolutionary socialist president on one side, and a congress controlled by the right, including the far-right National Party on the other. The actions of the congress continually undermine and many times nullify the policies that Allende is trying to pass.

The divisions are also seen in the workforce, with better-off transport and copper-mining workers striking for even better conditions, and being supported by the right, as it disrupts and makes it more difficult for the workers on the left and the government to continue.

The story in this episode culminates with a single brigade attacking the presidential palace and trying to overthrow the government.