Historical Events tagged with "dictatorship"

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

Alfredo Stroessner's Dictatorship in Paraguay Begins

August 15th, 1954 70 years ago

Alfredo Stroessner seized power in Paraguay through a military coup, establishing a dictatorship that would last for several decades. Capitalizing on political instability, Stroessner led a successful coup against President Federico Chávez, taking control of the government and initiating a regime characterized by repression, censorship, and political terror. His regime was noted for promoting infrastructure development while stifling dissent, and it formed alliances with the United States amid the Cold War.

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Politics & Government

Batista's Coup Overthrows Cuban Government

March 10th, 1952 73 years ago

Fulgencio Batista led a successful coup against the Cuban government, overtaking the presidency and establishing a military regime. The coup was staged in the early hours as Batista's forces seized key government buildings and military installations in Havana. This coup was fueled by Batista's discontent with the election outcomes and resulted in a swift consolidation of power, leading to his authoritarian rule. The actions of Batista and his followers marked a significant turning point in Cuba's political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Carlos Delgado Chalbaud

November 13th, 1950 74 years ago

General Carlos Delgado Chalbaud, the President of Venezuela, was assassinated in Caracas. He was killed when gunmen attacked his car as he was leaving a theater in the evening. Chalbaud's presidency was marked by a military regime, and his assassination reflected the bubbling tensions in Venezuelan society, which were fueled by political opposition and discontent among various factions.

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Military & Warfare

Hitler Becomes Supreme Commander of Army

December 19th, 1941 83 years ago

In a pivotal move, Adolf Hitler appointed himself as the head of the Oberkommando des Heeres (OKH), the German Army High Command. This decision was made amidst the continuing challenges faced by the Wehrmacht on the Eastern Front during World War II, particularly after setbacks in the ongoing invasion of the Soviet Union. Hitler's assumption of this role marked a significant shift in military strategy and command structure as he sought to exert greater control over the military operations at a critical phase in the war.

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Politics & Government

Francisco Franco Declared Caudillo of Spain

February 5th, 1939 86 years ago

Generalísimo Francisco Franco was declared the Caudillo, or Leader, of Spain following the end of the Spanish Civil War. This pivotal moment solidified Franco's autocratic rule after his Nationalist forces defeated the Republicans. The proclamation came amidst widespread political strife as Spain faced a fractured society. The declaration marked the establishment of Franco's regime, characterized by strict control and oppression of dissent, laying the foundation for his lengthy dictatorship that followed.

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Politics & Government

Soviet Army Leaders Executed During Great Purge

June 11th, 1937 87 years ago

During the Great Purge in the Soviet Union, eight high-ranking army leaders were executed. These officers were accused of conspiracy and espionage against the state, reflecting the intense political repression under Joseph Stalin. The executions aimed to eliminate perceived threats to Stalin's power and consolidate military control, sparking fears among the remaining leaders.

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Politics & Government

Mutiny of Portuguese Navy Frigates Supporting Spain

September 9th, 1936 88 years ago

The crews of the Portuguese Navy frigate NRP Afonso de Albuquerque and destroyer Dão staged a mutiny against the Salazar dictatorship due to its support for General Franco’s military coup in Spain. Declaring solidarity with the Spanish Republic, they acted in defiance of their government’s policies. This bold move reflected a significant opposition against authoritarianism in Portugal, highlighting the conflicting ideologies in the Iberian Peninsula during a time of upheaval.

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Politics & Government

Reichstag Passes Enabling Act Granting Dictatorial Powers

March 23rd, 1933 91 years ago

The Reichstag, Germany's parliament, voted to pass the Enabling Act, which empowered Adolf Hitler to enact laws without the Reichstag's approval. This legislation was fundamental in solidifying Hitler's regime and dismantling the democratic structure of the Weimar Republic. The act was supported by the Nazi Party and its allies, who orchestrated the political maneuvering needed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority. The passage of this act effectively marked the beginning of authoritarian rule in Germany.

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Politics & Government

King Alexander's Suspension of the Constitution

January 6th, 1929 96 years ago

King Alexander I of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes suspended the constitution, establishing a dictatorial regime known as the January 6th Dictatorship. This drastic measure aimed to address political instability and ethnic tensions within the kingdom. Following a series of political crises and threats to the monarchy, Alexander sought a strong centralized authority to combat extremism and promote national unity. The suspension led to significant changes in governance and public life across the kingdom, particularly impacting political parties and civil liberties.

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