The purpose of this article is to analyze the limitations and contradictions of agrarian reforms. Basically two types of agrarian reforms are distinguished: reformist and radical. Both types are analysed by drawing on the Chilean experience. The aims and the implementation of each type of agrarian reform are presented before proceeding to their assessment. The contradictions which emerge between the economic, social and political consequences of the two types of agrarian reform are highlighted. Finally the analysis of the peasants' estates seizures in the Melipilla region during the Allende government shows the high degree of organization and class consciousness achieved by the peasantry, but above all it reveals the limitations and contradictions of the "Chilean toad to Socialism".