Leonardopoulos–Gargalidis Coup Attempt in Greece

October 22nd, 1923

October 22nd, 1923

Leonardopoulos–Gargalidis Coup Attempt in Greece
How Long Ago?

101 years, 4 months, 21 days ago

Location

Athens, Greece

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Konstantinos Leonardopoulos
  • Spyridon Gargalidis
Links & References
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Leonardopoulos–Gargalidis Coup Attempt in Greece

A failed coup attempt in Greece led by royalists Leonardopoulos and Gargalidis aimed to restore the monarchy. On this occasion, the conspirators mobilized troops to seize control but were met with resistance from the republican government. The plan was swiftly crushed, highlighting the instability of the monarchy. The aftermath significantly discredited royal influence in Greece and bolstered the republican movement, setting the foundation for the establishment of the Second Hellenic Republic shortly thereafter.

Attempt to restore monarchy failed

Royalist officers led the coup

Government forces defended against rebels

Strengthened the republican movement in Greece

What Happened?

The Leonardopoulos–Gargalidis coup d'état attempt was a significant moment in Greek history, marked by an effort to overturn the republican government instituted after the tumultuous Greco-Turkish War. The conspiracy involved Colonel Konstantinos Leonardopoulos and Major General Spyridon Gargalidis, both staunch royalists who believed that a coup was necessary to re-establish the monarchy that had been ousted during a period of political upheaval. On the designated day, the conspirators mobilized loyal troops and attempted to seize key locations in Athens, aiming to rally support among military and civil leaders loyal to King George II, who had fled Greece years earlier.The republican government, however, was prepared for such a scenario. Upon learning of the royalists' plans, government forces acted quickly to defend their positions. Armed confrontations erupted, and the coup was swiftly quelled. In the aftermath, the government arrested the conspirators, leading to increased public disdain for the monarchy. The failed coup demonstrated the fragility of royal power in Greece and ultimately discredited the institution of monarchy. The political landscape transformed significantly, progressively leading to the establishment of the Second Hellenic Republic, a major shift in the governance of Greece that favored republican ideals over monarchical rule.

Why Does it Matter?

The coup attempt is interesting because it exemplified the struggle between monarchical and republican ideologies in Greece during the early 20th century. This event marked a pivotal turning point, as the failure of the coup solidified republican sentiment in Greek politics, effectively ending the prominent role of the monarchy and paving the way for greater instability that would characterize subsequent decades. The establishment of the Second Hellenic Republic fundamentally altered Greece's political landscape and governance structures.

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