in july 1974, a new reform took place, directed by the military dictatorship of augusto pinochet, who created regions. on 1 january 1976, the new vi región (sixth region) came into existence, with the territory of former provinces of o'higgins and colchagua. former departments of san fernando, santa cruz and cardenal caro were supressed. in 1979, the region was renamed vi región del libertador general bernardo o'higgins (sixth region of liberator general bernardo o'higgins, in short, region of o'higgins). its territory comprises current provinces of cachapoal, colchagua and cardenal caro.