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

Fiji Transitions to Republic Status

October 6th, 1987 37 years ago

Fiji declared itself a republic as a significant shift in governance, following a military coup led by Sitiveni Rabuka. This change came after Fiji's first coup that ousted the elected government. The declaration was made in Suva, increasing tension within the nation and marking a decisive point in its political history. The new republic status sought to address long-standing ethnic disputes and national identity issues within Fiji.

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Politics & Government

Coup d'état Overthrows Fijian Governor-General

September 25th, 1987 37 years ago

Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka led a coup d'état that resulted in the overthrow of Fijian Governor-General Penaia Ganilau. Initiated on September 25, 1987, the coup was primarily driven by ethnic tensions between native Fijians and Indo-Fijians. The military seized power amid political instability, leading to significant changes in Fiji's governance and societal structure.

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Politics & Government

Fijian Coup: Bavadra Ousted by Rabuka

May 14th, 1987 37 years ago

Lieutenant Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka seized control of Fiji's government, ousting Prime Minister Timoci Bavadra. The coup followed mounting tensions over ethnic and political divisions within the island nation. The military intervention was marked by swift action, with Rabuka and his troops effectively taking power within hours.

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Politics & Government

Pinochet Survives Assassination Attempt

September 7th, 1986 38 years ago

In a coordinated attack, the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front (FPMR) ambushed Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet's motorcade in Santiago, resulting in five of his bodyguards being killed. The attack was part of a broader campaign against the Pinochet regime, which had been characterized by repression and authoritarian rule since the coup in 1973. Although Pinochet survived, the assassination attempt marked a significant escalation in the efforts of leftist groups to destabilize his government. This event highlighted the growing unrest and opposition to his rule during the 1980s.

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Politics & Government

Leabua Jonathan Ousted in Coup Led by General Lekhanya

January 20th, 1986 39 years ago

Leabua Jonathan was removed from power by a coup d'état led by General Justin Lekhanya. This military intervention occurred in Lesotho, where Jonathan's rule had faced growing internal and external pressures. Lekhanya and his forces aimed to restore political stability amidst a deteriorating situation in the country, which had been marked by political unrest and economic challenges. The coup resulted in the establishment of a military government in place of the civilian administration.

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Politics & Government

Babangida Ousts Buhari in a Military Coup

August 27th, 1985 39 years ago

Major General Ibrahim Babangida led a coup d'état that resulted in the ousting of Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the Chairman of Nigeria's Supreme Military Council. The coup was motivated by economic mismanagement and growing public discontent under Buhari's rule, which had been marked by strict authoritarian measures. Babangida's takeover was executed with minimal bloodshed, marking a significant shift in Nigeria's leadership dynamics.

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Politics & Government

Sudanese President Nimeiry Overthrown in Coup

April 6th, 1985 39 years ago

Field Marshal Abdel Rahman Swar al-Dahab led a coup that ousted President Gaafar Nimeiry, ending a 16-year regime marked by increasing discontent. The coup unfolded rapidly, with military leaders swiftly gaining control of the capital, Khartoum, amidst widespread protests against the government. Swar al-Dahab, a former ally of Nimeiry, positioned himself as the leader of the transitional military council, promising democratic reforms and addressing popular grievances.

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Politics & Government

Buhari's Coup Overthrows Second Nigerian Republic

December 31st, 1983 41 years ago

Major General Muhammadu Buhari led a military coup to overthrow the Second Nigerian Republic, effectively ending civilian rule in Nigeria. The coup was fueled by widespread discontent over corruption and economic mismanagement in the government of President Shehu Shagari. Buhari's forces swiftly took control of the capital, Lagos, and soon after, he was declared the new head of state. The military takeover marked the beginning of a new authoritarian regime, with Buhari implementing various reforms aimed at stabilizing the nation's economy and governance.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. and Caribbean Allies Invade Grenada

October 25th, 1983 41 years ago

A military invasion was launched by the United States and several Caribbean allies into Grenada following a violent coup that resulted in the execution of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and his supporters. This operation, named Operation Urgent Fury, aimed to restore democracy and protect American citizens on the island. It was marked by significant military engagement and political maneuvering in the Caribbean region.

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