In 2006, Michelle Bachelet made history by becoming the first woman to be elected president of Chile. The daughter of a Chilean Air Force general, Bachelet and her family were gravely affected by the 1973 military coup that derailed the government of Salvador Allende. After the military rule ended, she entered politics, serving as minister of health and later defense minister. During the early part of her presidential administration, she dealt with important issues head-on.