Colonels' Coup of 1967: What Happened
On 21 April 1967, a group of army officers led by Colonel Georgios Papadopoulos, Brigadier Stylianos Pattakos and Colonel Nikolaos Makarezos seized power in Greece in a military coup. The coup came just weeks before elections that the Centre Union party of Georgios Papandreou was expected to win. The officers claimed they were saving Greece from a communist threat and political chaos. Using a NATO emergency plan called Prometheus, originally designed for use in the event of a communist uprising, they took control of Athens overnight. Tanks surrounded key buildings, and thousands of politicians and suspected opponents were arrested, including Georgios and Andreas Papandreou. King Constantine II reluctantly swore in the new government. The regime, known as the Junta or the Regime of the Colonels, suspended civil liberties, imposed censorship, banned political parties and trade unions, and imprisoned, tortured and exiled thousands of opponents. It also banned long hair on men and miniskirts. Its slogan was Greece of Christian Greeks. The dictatorship lasted seven years, until its collapse in July 1974.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Greek junta take power?
The military junta seized power in a coup on 21 April 1967, just weeks before elections the Centre Union was expected to win.
Who led the 1967 coup in Greece?
The coup was led by Colonel Georgios Papadopoulos, Brigadier Stylianos Pattakos and Colonel Nikolaos Makarezos. Papadopoulos became the regime's dominant figure.
What was the Prometheus plan?
Prometheus was a NATO emergency plan for use in the event of a communist uprising. The colonels used it to take control of Athens overnight.
What did the Greek junta do?
The junta suspended civil liberties, imposed censorship, banned political parties and trade unions, and imprisoned, tortured and exiled thousands of opponents.
How long did the Greek junta last?
The military dictatorship lasted seven years, from April 1967 until its collapse in July 1974 after the Cyprus crisis.
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