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

Assassination of Nur Muhammad Taraki

September 14th, 1979 45 years ago

Nur Muhammad Taraki, the Afghan leader and General Secretary of the People's Democratic Party, was assassinated in a coup plot led by Hafizullah Amin. This power struggle occurred amidst rising tensions within the party and external threats. The assassination solidified Hafizullah Amin's control over the party and foreshadowed further instability in Afghanistan's political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Jerry Rawlings Ousts General Fred Akuffo

June 4th, 1979 45 years ago

Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings led a military coup that ousted General Fred Akuffo in Ghana. This coup came after growing frustrations over Akuffo's government and was marked by decisive strikes against the military establishment. Rawlings, initially a supporter of the regime, criticized it for its corruption and economic inefficiency. The coup resulted in Rawlings taking control, marking a significant shift in Ghana's political landscape as it moved towards a new military government.

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Politics & Government

Bloodless Coup Ousts Moktar Ould Daddah

July 10th, 1978 46 years ago

Moktar Ould Daddah was removed from power in a coup led by Colonel Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidallah. The coup occurred in the capital city of Nouakchott, Mauritania, resulting in a peaceful transfer of power. Ould Daddah had been the first president of Mauritania and faced criticism over economic policies and political repression.

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Politics & Government

Mohammad Daoud Khan Overthrown in Coup

April 28th, 1978 46 years ago

On April 28, 1978, Mohammad Daoud Khan, the President of Afghanistan, was overthrown and assassinated in a coup led by pro-communist rebels. The coup, known as the Saur Revolution, marked a significant turning point in Afghanistan's political landscape, elevating the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) to power. The rebels capitalized on growing discontent with Daoud's authoritarian rule, historical ties to the Soviet Union, and failed economic reforms. This shift set the stage for decades of conflict and foreign intervention.

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Politics & Government

Saur Revolution Overthrows Daoud Khan

April 27th, 1978 46 years ago

The Saur Revolution resulted in a coup d'état that overthrew Afghan President Mohammed Daoud Khan. Initiated by the People's Democratic Party of Afghanistan, the insurrection began late in the day and continued into the morning hours, culminating in Daoud's assassination. The coup led to the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan, marking a significant shift in the country's governance and political ideology.

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Politics & Government

Military Coup in Pakistan by Zia-ul-Haq

July 5th, 1977 47 years ago

Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq led a successful coup d'état against the elected government of Pakistan, overthrowing Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This resulted in the imposition of martial law, marking the beginning of Zia-ul-Haq's rule which lasted over a decade. The military operation, termed Operation Fair Play, was initiated following accusations of growing political unrest and administrative inefficiencies under Bhutto's leadership. As Zia assumed control, he imposed strict military governance that restructured various aspects of Pakistani society and politics.

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Politics & Government

Failed Military Coup by Portuguese Radicals

November 25th, 1975 49 years ago

A failed military coup in Portugal sought to establish a communist regime during the fragile transition to democracy following the Carnation Revolution. Left-wing military officers, dissatisfied with the slow pace of reforms, took control of key locations in Lisbon, including military bases and government buildings. However, the coup faced stiff resistance from moderate socialist leaders, resulting in a swift restoration of order. The coup spotlighted divisions within the Portuguese military and political spectrum, marking a significant moment in Portugal's post-revolutionary history.

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Politics & Government

Bermúdez Overthrows Velasco in Tacna

August 29th, 1975 49 years ago

Francisco Morales Bermúdez carried out a coup in Tacna, Peru, forcing President Juan Velasco Alvarado to resign. The coup was staged amidst political unrest and economic difficulties in the country. Bermúdez, who was the Prime Minister, utilized military support to establish a new government, a pivotal moment in Peru's political history that marked a shift towards authoritarian rule.

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Politics & Government

Greek Junta's Coup in Cyprus

July 15th, 1974 50 years ago

In Nicosia, a coup d'état was launched by Greek junta-sponsored nationalists against President Makarios III, leading to the elevation of Nikos Sampson as the new president of Cyprus. Supported by Athens, the coup aimed at uniting Cyprus with Greece, reflecting the broader political tensions on the island. This sudden takeover would instigate a series of events that would alter Cyprus's political landscape and relations with Turkey.

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