Chilean history began with the indigenous peoples, such as the Mapuche and Aymara, who inhabited the region for thousands of years. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors, led by Pedro de Valdivia, arrived and established colonial rule, which lasted for nearly three centuries. In 1810, Chile began its struggle for independence from Spain, culminating in a successful declaration in 1818, led by figures like Bernardo O'Higgins and José Miguel Carrera. The 20th century saw significant political changes, including the election of Salvador Allende in 1970 and the subsequent military coup in 1973, which led to a long period of dictatorship under Augusto Pinochet.