The military coup of April 21, 1967, and its impact on Greece

On April 21, 1967, a group of military officers seized power in Greece, overthrowing the democratic government. This event followed a period of political instability beginning in 1965, characterized by the conflict between King Constantine and Prime Minister George Papandreou. The junta suspended the Constitution and established a regime marked by censorship, political persecution, and torture. The military government's rule, lasting seven years, is often blamed for the institutional decay that eventually culminated in the 1974 coup in Cyprus and the subsequent Turkish invasion. While proponents of the regime claimed to prevent political chaos, critics emphasize the suppression of human rights and the disastrous foreign policy outcomes. The coup is widely regarded as a dark period in modern Greek history that fundamentally altered the nation's political landscape. Historians and analysts continue to debate the influence of international actors, such as the United States, given that declassified documents indicate awareness of military plans prior to the takeover.