In the summer of 1909, Greece faced a critical juncture characterized by military failures and administrative inefficiencies that had come to light during the Balkan Wars. A faction of mid-level army officers, frustrated with the state of the Greek military and the political stagnation that plagued the government, orchestrated a coup known as the Goudi coup. The location of the coup in Goudi, a neighborhood in Athens, symbolized their demand for a transformation in both military and civilian leadership, aiming to establish a more effective government and a restructured army.

The officers, led by figures such as Colonel Nikolaos Zaimis, sought radical reforms including the modernization of military tactics and the overhaul of political institutions that had been perceived as outdated and corrupt. They rallied significant public support by addressing the concerns of citizens who were weary of poor governance amidst growing military challenges. Their actions culminated in a public declaration that called for a new national framework aimed at sweeping reforms. This movement not only called attention to the need for structural changes but also reshaped the political discourse in Greece.

As a result of the Goudi coup, King George I was prompted to appoint a new government, which took into account the demands of the military and the citizens who supported the coup. It marked the beginning of a series of political reforms in the country, ultimately leading to the emergence of a more modern political system in Greece. The coup also strengthened the military's role in politics and established a legacy of intervention in governmental matters that would recur throughout Greek history.