On this pivotal day, a coup d'état led by the Ba'ath Party successfully overthrew President Abdul Rahman Arif, marking a dramatic realignment in Iraqi politics. Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr emerged as the new president, representing a party committed to Arab nationalism, socialism, and a vision of modernizing Iraq. The Ba'ath Party, which had gained considerable popularity through its promises of reform and stability, capitalized on widespread dissatisfaction with the government, which had been plagued by internal conflicts and backlash following the 1967 Six-Day War.

The coup was executed with a surprising level of organization and minimal violence, signaling the potency of the Ba'ath movement within the military and society. This change did not just create a new administrative structure; it signaled the start of significant social reforms, including land redistribution, nationalization of industries, and modernization initiatives that aimed to elevate Iraq's position in the Arab world. Al-Bakr's leadership focused on establishing tighter control within the state while elevating Iraq's influence through alignment with other Arab nationalist movements.

These developments heralded a new era for Iraq characterized by political consolidation under the Ba'ath regime, leading to lasting consequences for the country's governance and regional dynamics. The political changes initiated by the coup set the stage for Iraq's subsequent role in international relations and internal conflicts, particularly in the context of the Cold War and regional rivalries.