The combatants were split into forces supporting the government of Salvador Allende, and those opposing it. Various left-wing and right-wing militias popped up to support the government and the rebels, respectively. Unlike in similar left-right struggles of the century, leftists were almost completely united behind support for Allende. In addition to the leftists, some groups previously opposed or neutral to Allende's government supported Allende, such as a faction of Christian Democrats, viewing the coup as illegal. Like other conflicts, rightists were united by opposition to the incumbent government, including conservatives and the wealthy, opposed to socialism.