question_answer

Read the extract given below and answer the questions based on it.

"This will surely be my last opportunity to address you. The Air Force has bombed the antennas of Radio Magallanes. I am not bitter but disappointed, and my words will be the moral punishment for those who betrayed their oath; Chilean soldiers, titular commanders-in-chief... In the face of these deeds it only falls to me to say to the workers: I shall not resign'... Workers of my homeland! I have faith in Chile and its future. Chileans will overcome this dark and bitter moment when treason became dominant. You must never forget that, sooner rather than later, the grand avenues will be opened where free men will march on to build a better society.

Long live Chile! Long live the people! Long live the workers!

These are my last words and 1 have certainty that my sacrifice will not be in vain, I have certainty that, at the least, I will be a moral lesson to castigate felony, cowardice and treason."

(a) Who was Salvador Allende?

(b) On what occasion did he give the above speech?

(c) Mention two measures taken for the benefit of the workers.

(d) Which political party did he belong to and why was it opposed by the other political parties?

(e) What was the sacrifice which Allende refers to in his speech?

Answer:

(a) Salvadore Allende was one of the founders of the Chilean Socialist Party and became the President of Chile in 1970.

(b) The speech was given on the morning of 11th September 1973, when his government was overthrown by the army.

(c) He reformed the educational system, gave free milk to the children and redistributed land to the farmers.

(d) The political party he belonged to was called Popular Unity, It faced severe opposition because it nationalised the copper and other industries and advocated a strong programme of land reform.

(e) Allende refused to resign or leave the country as asked by the army. Ultimately he was killed when the military bombarded his residence. This was the sacrifice he refer to, i.e., he was prepared to fight and die rather than take the coward's way out and go quietly into exile.