Michelle Bachelet

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 upheaval that occurred after the 1973 military coup that derailed the government of Salvador Allende. Her father was arrested, and died in prison. Bachelet and her mother were tortured and finally fled Chile for Eastern Europe. They eventually returned home, where Bachelet attended medical school. 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. Michelle Bachelet thoroughly examines the life and accomplishments of a world leader who has brought new light to a nation emerging from a dark past.