One of the defining moments in Chile’s history was the fight for change for the working class against the Chilean government during the 1970s. In the midst of an upsurge of worker militancy, the 1970 presidential election was taking place. Running was Salvador Allende who represented the common people of Chile. Allende led the left-wing coalition Popular Unity (UP) and for many Chilean workers, the UP government embodied their aspirations for a better life. In Peter Winn’s book, Weavers of Revolution, he tells the story of the Chilean revolution through the eyes of the participants. Winn focuses on the workers at the Yarur textile mill who play a large role in Chile’s politics in the democratic road to socialism. This paper will examine
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Juan, a Palestinian man ran his mill on the basis of classical paternalism. In 1954, Juan died leaving the mill to his two sons, Jorge and Amador. Jorge aimed to modernize the mill and installed the Taylor System. The Taylor System was a method in managing workflow by improving economic efficiency, specifically labor productivity. Amador, on the other hand, ruled the mill by combining Juan’s legacy with Jorge’s changes. Working under Amador’s command, the workers experienced mistreatment and exploitation leading them to form a worker’s union. The workers wanted a change, specifically social equality in the workplace putting Chile on the road to socialism. The turning point in the Chilean road to socialism was the presidential election of Salvador Allende. Allende “campaigned on a platform of peaceful revolution” and wanted a democratic socialism. Allende’s vision was to bring justice to the “economic inequality and social inequality,…the hegemony of the rich and the powerlessness of the poor.” Seeing that both the working class and Allende had similar goals in wanting social equality, Allende thus had the support of the
Juan, a Palestinian man ran his mill on the basis of classical paternalism. In 1954, Juan died leaving the mill to his two sons, Jorge and Amador. Jorge aimed to modernize the mill and installed the Taylor System. The Taylor System was a method in managing workflow by improving economic efficiency, specifically labor productivity. Amador, on the other hand, ruled the mill by combining Juan’s legacy with Jorge’s changes. Working under Amador’s command, the workers experienced mistreatment and exploitation leading them to form a worker’s union. The workers wanted a change, specifically social equality in the workplace putting Chile on the road to socialism. The turning point in the Chilean road to socialism was the presidential election of Salvador Allende. Allende “campaigned on a platform of peaceful revolution” and wanted a democratic socialism. Allende’s vision was to bring justice to the “economic inequality and social inequality,…the hegemony of the rich and the powerlessness of the poor.” Seeing that both the working class and Allende had similar goals in wanting social equality, Allende thus had the support of the