Iouliana: What Happened
In July 1965, a political crisis known as the Iouliana, or July Events, shook Greece. It began with a conflict between the young King Constantine II and the prime minister, Georgios Papandreou, whose Centre Union party had won a large majority in the 1964 elections. The dispute centered on control of the armed forces. Papandreou wanted to take over the Ministry of Defense himself, partly because of a scandal involving a group of officers called ASPIDA, which was alleged to include his son, Andreas Papandreou. The king refused, and on 15 July 1965, Papandreou resigned. The king then appointed a series of governments made up of defectors from the Centre Union, known as the apostates, who left the party to support the king. Huge protests followed, and a student, Sotiris Petroulas, was killed during a demonstration. The crisis led to a long period of political instability, with governments collapsing and public anger growing. It undermined confidence in the monarchy and the political system and set the stage for the military coup of April 1967.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Iouliana?
The Iouliana, or July Events, were a political crisis in July 1965 in which Prime Minister Georgios Papandreou resigned after a conflict with King Constantine II.
Why did Papandreou and the king clash?
The dispute centered on control of the armed forces. Papandreou wanted to take over the Ministry of Defense, and the king refused.
Who were the apostates?
The apostates were members of Papandreou's Centre Union party who defected to support governments appointed by the king after Papandreou's resignation.
What happened during the Iouliana protests?
Huge protests broke out in support of Papandreou, and a student, Sotiris Petroulas, was killed during a demonstration in Athens.
How did the Iouliana lead to the junta?
The crisis caused a long period of instability and undermined confidence in the monarchy and politics, setting the stage for the military coup of April 1967.
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