Historical Events tagged with "military 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

Constantine II's Counter-Coup Attempt Fails

December 13th, 1967 57 years ago

In December 1967, Constantine II of Greece attempted to regain power by launching a counter-coup against the ruling Regime of the Colonels. The coup occurred in the context of increasing tension following the military takeover in April, which established a dictatorship. The king, supported by some loyal military officers, sought to displace the junta and restore constitutional rule. However, the effort was poorly planned and met with resistance, leading to its quick failure. As a result, Constantine II fled to Rome, marking a significant moment in Greece’s tumultuous political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Salah Jadid's Coup in Syria

February 23rd, 1966 59 years ago

Salah Jadid led a military coup within the Ba'ath Party, successfully ousting General Amin al-Hafiz from his position of power. The coup occurred in Syria, where disturbances in the political landscape had created tensions among Ba'ath party factions. It marked a significant shift in leadership dynamics and solidified the military's influence over the political environment in Syria. The internal strife highlighted the struggle for power within the ruling party and set the stage for further military rule in the country.

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Politics & Government

Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco Elected President

April 11th, 1964 60 years ago

Brazilian Marshal Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco was elected as president by the National Congress following a military coup. He took office during a period marked by political turmoil and instability. He was selected to maintain order and implement reforms in a country facing significant economic challenges and societal unrest. His presidency aimed to stabilize Brazil after a series of political crises.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Ngô Đình Diệm in Vietnam

November 2nd, 1963 61 years ago

In a military coup, South Vietnamese President Ngô Đình Diệm was assassinated following his arrest by the coup leaders. The coup was initiated by discontent among the military and civilian populations against Diệm's regime, which had faced criticism for its repressive tactics and perceived failure to address the communism threat. The political turmoil stemmed from rising tensions and dissatisfaction with Diệm's policies, and his assassination marked a pivotal shift in Vietnam's political landscape.

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Politics & Government

US State Department Cables for Diệm Coup

August 24th, 1963 61 years ago

Citing the raids on the Xá Lợi Pagoda, the US State Department communicated with the US Embassy in Saigon to push for a coup against President Ngô Đình Diệm unless he removed his brother Ngô Đình Nhu from power. Tensions between the Buddhist community and the South Vietnamese government escalated, leading to calls for urgent political change.

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Politics & Government

North Yemen Civil War Begins with Revolution

September 25th, 1962 62 years ago

Abdullah al-Sallal led a coup against Imam al-Badr, proclaiming Yemen a republic and marking the start of the North Yemen Civil War. The revolution was initiated by military officers influenced by Arab nationalist sentiments, leading to unrest and conflict in the region. The power shift aimed to modernize Yemen and reduce the influence of the royalist elements, throwing the country's political future into turmoil as both sides vied for control.

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Politics & Government

Military Coup Disbands United Arab Republic

September 28th, 1961 63 years ago

A military coup in Damascus terminated the United Arab Republic, a political union between Egypt and Syria. This coup saw the Syrian faction of the union taking charge as tensions between the two nations escalated. The change in leadership was marked by the removal of President Gamal Abdel Nasser's influence in Syria, leading to a decisive separation of the two states that had existed as a unified political entity since 1958. The aftermath reshaped political dynamics in the region.

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Politics & Government

Park Chung Hee's Coup d'État in South Korea

May 16th, 1961 63 years ago

On May 16, 1961, Major General Park Chung Hee led a coup d'état to overthrow the Second Republic of South Korea. The armed forces, dissatisfied with political instability and corruption, orchestrated a swift takeover, marking a significant shift in the country's governance. Park's regime aimed to restore order and promote economic development, leading to a new authoritarian rule.

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Politics & Government

Failed Military Coup Against Ngô Đình Diệm

November 11th, 1960 64 years ago

A military coup attempt against President Ngô Đình Diệm was launched by a group of South Vietnamese army officers, influenced by discontent with Diệm’s authoritarian rule and ineffective governance. The coup lacked unity and strong leadership, leading to its quick failure. The United States, while supporting reforms, was concerned about the instability in South Vietnam, ultimately siding with Diệm. The coup's failure reinforced his regime while showcasing the deepening divisions within the South Vietnamese military and government.

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