Historical Events tagged with "coup"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Colonel Phạm Ngọc Thảo Executed by Unknown Assassins

July 16th, 1965 59 years ago

Phạm Ngọc Thảo, a South Vietnamese Colonel, was hunted down and killed by unknown individuals following his death sentence in absentia for his involvement in a coup attempt against General Nguyễn Khánh in February 1965. As a communist spy and double agent, Thảo's actions had significant implications during the Vietnam War, leading to his eventual demise amidst political turmoil. His assassination highlighted the treacherous environment and internal conflicts within the South Vietnamese military and government.

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Politics & Government

Coup Attempt Against Nguyễn Khánh's Junta

February 19th, 1965 60 years ago

Colonel Phạm Ngọc Thảo, a known communist spy, along with Generals Lâm Văn Phát and Trần Thiện Khiêm, both of whom shared Catholic faith, plotted a coup against the military junta led by Buddhist Nguyễn Khánh. Tensions were high in South Vietnam, with divisions between religious factions exacerbating political instability. The coup was motivated by a desire to align the government with Catholic leadership, reflecting the complex interplay of faith and politics amidst the ongoing Vietnam War. The conspirators aimed to take over the armed forces on behalf of the Viet Minh.

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Politics & Government

Failed Coup Attempt Against General Nguyễn Khánh

September 13th, 1964 60 years ago

South Vietnamese Generals Lâm Văn Phát and Dương Văn Đức orchestrated a coup attempt to overthrow General Nguyễn Khánh, the leading military figure in South Vietnam. The plot, aimed at seizing control of the government and military, ultimately failed, resulting in the capture of the conspirators. This attempt was part of the ongoing power struggles among military leaders amid the pressing instability in the South Vietnamese government and mounting challenges from the Viet Cong insurgency.

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Politics & Government

Olímpio Mourão Filho Leads Troops to Rio

March 31st, 1964 60 years ago

General Olímpio Mourão Filho ordered his troops to advance towards Rio de Janeiro, marking the initial stages of a military coup that would overthrow President João Goulart. This military action was fueled by growing fears of communism and political unrest within Brazil, prompting the military to intervene. The coup was supported by sectors of Brazilian society and backed by the United States, leading to a prolonged dictatorship that lasted for over two decades.

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Politics & Government

Constantine II crowned as King of Greece

March 6th, 1964 61 years ago

Constantine II was crowned as the last King of Greece in a ceremony held in Athens. Following the death of his father, King Paul I, the young king ascended to the throne at the age of 23. His coronation symbolized the continuation of the Greek monarchy, but would be short-lived as political instability grew in Greece during the 1960s, leading to a challenging reign and ultimately the abolition of the monarchy two years later.

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Politics & Government

Nguyễn Khánh's Seizure of Power in Vietnam

January 30th, 1964 61 years ago

General Nguyễn Khánh executed a coup against General Dương Văn Minh's military junta in South Vietnam, effectively taking control of the country’s leadership. This change was marked by its bloodless nature, as it involved minimal military confrontation. Nguyễn Khánh's rise to power came during a period of political instability in Vietnam, as various factions vied for control amidst the ongoing conflict with the Viet Cong and North Vietnam. His governance would bring about shifts in tactics against the Communist forces in the region.

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Politics & Government

Honduras Launches Military Regime After Coup

October 3rd, 1963 61 years ago

In Honduras, a military coup occurred, leading to the overthrow of President Ramón Villeda Morales. The coup, led by Colonel Luis Enrique Sánchez, was fueled by political instability and opposition to Morales's reform policies. Villeda Morales was taken by force, marking the beginning of a military government that would dominate Honduras for two decades. This shift was significantly influenced by Cold War dynamics, as the United States viewed the political changes in Central America with increasing scrutiny and concern.

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Politics & Government

Ba'ath Party Seizes Power in Syria

March 8th, 1963 62 years ago

On March 8, 1963, the Ba'ath Party launched a coup in Syria, overthrowing the government of President Nazim al-Kudsi. The coup was executed by the military and led by party members who aimed to implement socialist reforms and unite the Arab world. The operation began early in the morning and involved strategic military encirclement of key government buildings. The coup was a response to political instability and rivalry within the Syrian political landscape, reflecting the ideological conflicts of the time.

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Politics & Government

Ba'ath Party Overthrows Abd al-Karim Qasim

February 8th, 1963 62 years ago

The Ba'ath Party orchestrated a coup to overthrow Iraqi Prime Minister Abd al-Karim Qasim, marking a significant shift in Iraq's political landscape. The coup took place in Baghdad, driven by ideological differences and a desire for power. The Ba'athists sought to implement their Arab nationalist agenda and saw Qasim's policies as obstacles. The successful coup resulted in Qasim's imprisonment and later execution, affecting the course of Iraqi governance and its alignment in the broader Arab world.

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