In the early hours of April 21, 1967, a group of Greek military officers, led by Colonel George Papadopoulos, executed a coup that effectively overthrew the democratic government of Greece. With tensions rising in the lead-up to the general election, the military justified its actions by asserting that it needed to restore order and prevent the perceived threat of leftist movements. The coup was characterized by near-complete control over the government and media, as military leaders quickly implemented a series of repressive measures. The Junta abolished political parties and established a regime based on martial law, which was described as a 'revolution' by its leaders. Papadopoulos quickly rose to power, becoming the head of state while promoting a nationalist agenda and a conservative social policy. The regime's extreme measures included censorship, political imprisonment, and torture of dissidents. The impact of the coup reverberated throughout Greek society, deeply affecting both domestic and foreign politics, leading to significant international criticism and isolation of Greece during these years. Despite its initial support, the Junta faced increasing opposition from various political factions and movements, ultimately leading to its collapse in 1974.