Historical Events tagged with "greece"

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

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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Politics & Government

Dimitrios Ioannidis Ousts Georgios Papadopoulos

November 25th, 1973 51 years ago

Brigadier General Dimitrios Ioannidis led a coup against Georgios Papadopoulos, the head of the military regime in Greece. This power shift marked a significant moment in Greek politics during a period of military dictatorship that followed the 1967 coup. Following the coup, Papadopoulos was arrested, signaling a hardline shift in the governing military junta and altering the political landscape of Greece.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Athens Polytechnic Uprising Against Military Regime

November 17th, 1973 51 years ago

Amid mounting discontent against the military junta in Greece, students at the Athens Polytechnic staged a revolt, demanding political reform and democracy. The culmination of protests led to a massive siege, where military tanks stormed the campus, resulting in tragic violence and loss of life. The uprising symbolized resistance and galvanized public opposition against the regime in a critical moment of Greek history.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Students Revolt Against Greek Military Rule

November 14th, 1973 51 years ago

The Athens Polytechnic uprising marked a significant protest against the Greek military junta, led by students primarily from the Athens Polytechnic. Over several days, students staged demonstrations, culminating in a massive rally on November 14, 1973. This event was characterized by the occupation of the Polytechnic and the issuing of demands for democracy and freedom. The focus of the protests was largely on the regimes' oppressive measures and the systematic violations of human rights, which resonated deeply within the Greek populace at the time.

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Politics & Government

Spyros Markezinis' Brief Prime Ministership in Greece

October 8th, 1973 51 years ago

Spyros Markezinis took office as the Prime Minister of Greece, embarking on a 48-day attempt to steer the country back to parliamentary democracy. Amid a military dictatorship, he sought to establish a political reconciliation process and initiate reforms, aiming to stabilize the political landscape through his experience as a seasoned politician. However, his tenure faced significant challenges, including opposition from both the ruling military regime and political factions advocating for democracy.

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Politics & Government

Greeks Vote to Abolish Monarchy in 1973

July 29th, 1973 51 years ago

In July 1973, Greeks participated in a pivotal referendum, voting to abolish the monarchy. This vote was significant as it marked a transition from royal rule to a republic, facilitating a fresh start for the country's governance. The public's decision was motivated by a desire for democratic stability and a reaction against past military dictatorships. Led by the ruling military junta, the referendum reflected a broader sentiment for change and modernization within Greece, symbolizing hope for a more democratic future.

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Politics & Government

Greek Naval Destroyer Velos Mutiny

May 25th, 1973 51 years ago

The captain and crew of the Greek naval destroyer Velos staged a mutiny in protest against the military dictatorship in Greece. Refusing to return to Greece, they instead anchored at Fiumicino, Italy. This act of defiance was a significant gesture of opposition against the oppressive regime that controlled Greece at the time, highlighting the courage of the naval personnel in standing up for democratic values.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Kostas Georgakis' Self-Immolation Protest

September 19th, 1970 54 years ago

Kostas Georgakis, a Greek geology student, set himself on fire in Matteotti Square, Genoa, Italy, as an act of protest against the authoritarian regime of Georgios Papadopoulos. His act was intended to draw attention to the oppressive political climate in Greece, raising awareness of the struggles faced by students and citizens under the dictatorship. Georgakis, who was studying in Italy, sought to express his dissent in a powerful and shocking manner, resulting in a tragic display that captivated public attention and sparked conversations around dictatorial governance.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Olympic Airways Flight 954 crashes in Greece

December 8th, 1969 55 years ago

Olympic Airways Flight 954, a Douglas DC-6, crashed into a mountain outside Keratea, Greece, resulting in the loss of 90 lives. The aircraft, which had taken off from Athens, encountered severe weather conditions, leading to the tragic accident. The incident marked a significant point in aviation safety discussions, highlighting the need for better weather assessment and air traffic control measures.

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