Goudi Coup: What Happened
On 15 August 1909, a group of Greek army officers known as the Military League staged a revolt at Goudi, an army camp on the outskirts of Athens. The officers, led by Colonel Nikolaos Zorbas, were frustrated with the political system, the corruption of the old parties, the poor state of the army and Greece's humiliation in the war of 1897 and over Crete. They also resented the role of the royal princes in the army. Supported by crowds in Athens, they demanded reforms of the army, the government and the economy. The king and the government gave in, and the princes were removed from their army posts. The officers did not take power themselves. Unable to find a suitable leader among the established politicians, the Military League invited Eleftherios Venizelos, a talented politician from Crete, to come to Athens as an adviser. Venizelos persuaded the officers to dissolve the League and to call elections instead of imposing a dictatorship. The Goudi coup opened the way for Venizelos and a new era of reform in Greek politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Goudi Coup?
The Goudi Coup was a military revolt on 15 August 1909 by a group of Greek army officers called the Military League, at the Goudi camp near Athens.
Why did the officers revolt at Goudi?
The officers were frustrated with political corruption, the poor state of the army, Greece's defeat in 1897 and the role of the royal princes in the military.
Who led the Goudi Coup?
The revolt was led by Colonel Nikolaos Zorbas on behalf of the Military League, a secret organization of mostly junior army officers.
How did the Goudi Coup bring Venizelos to power?
The Military League invited Eleftherios Venizelos, a politician from Crete, to Athens as an adviser. He persuaded the officers to call elections instead of imposing a dictatorship.
Where is Goudi?
Goudi is an area on the eastern side of Athens, near the modern Zografou and Ilisia districts, which was then the site of an army camp.
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