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 arrived, leading to the colonization of Chile. The country gained independence from Spain in 1818, with key figures like Bernardo O'Higgins and José Miguel Carrera playing significant roles in the struggle. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Chile experienced political changes, including the rise of socialist movements and the election of Salvador Allende in 1970. His presidency ended in a military coup in 1973, led by Augusto Pinochet, resulting in a long period of dictatorship until the return to democracy in 1990.