Deaths on April 24

Anastasios Papoulas, Greek general (b. 1857)

Anastasios Papoulas (Greek: Αναστάσιος Παπούλας), born on the Julian calendar date of 1 January 1857, which corresponds to 13 January 1857 on the Gregorian calendar, and passing away on 24 April 1935, was a towering figure in Greek military history. Renowned as a distinguished Greek general, he is most notably remembered for his crucial role as the Commander-in-Chief of the Greek forces for the majority of the ill-fated Greco-Turkish War, often referred to as the Asia Minor Campaign, which raged from 1919 to 1922. His career, however, was marked not only by military command but also by a dramatic political evolution, shifting from a steadfast royalist to an ardent republican, a transition that ultimately led to his tragic execution in 1935 for his involvement in a failed republican coup attempt.

A General at the Helm: The Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922)

Papoulas's most defining period of service came during the Greco-Turkish War, a conflict that represented the culmination of Greece's "Megali Idea" (Great Idea) – a nationalistic aspiration to incorporate all ethnically Greek-populated territories into an independent Greek state, including parts of Anatolia. Following the Allied victory in World War I, Greece was granted administration over Smyrna (modern-day Izmir) and its hinterland in Western Anatolia. Against this backdrop of ambitious expansion, Anastasios Papoulas was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Greek Army in Asia Minor in November 1920. He faced immense challenges, leading a large expeditionary force deep into Anatolian territory against the nascent Turkish nationalist movement led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Under his command, the Greek forces achieved significant advances, but the logistical strain, the vastness of the territory, and the fierce resistance of the revitalized Turkish army gradually turned the tide. The war concluded with a catastrophic defeat for Greece in August 1922, leading to the collapse of the Greek front, the burning of Smyrna, and a massive population exchange. While Papoulas was relieved of his command in May 1922, just months before the final collapse, the war under his leadership remains a pivotal, and painful, chapter in modern Greek history.

From Royalist to Republican: A Political Metamorphosis

The early part of Anastasios Papoulas's career saw him firmly entrenched in the royalist camp, a significant political faction during the period known as the National Schism (Dichasmos). This deep political divide pitted the supporters of King Constantine I and a more conservative, monarchical vision against the Venizelists, who championed the liberal, parliamentary democratic ideals of Eleftherios Venizelos, advocating for a more expansionist foreign policy and greater ties with the Entente powers during WWI. Papoulas's initial allegiance was to the Crown, aligning him with the royalist governments that often clashed with Venizelos's republican leanings.

However, the devastating defeat in Asia Minor in 1922 profoundly reshaped the Greek political landscape. The monarchy was discredited, and King Constantine I was forced to abdicate. This national catastrophe paved the way for a powerful republican movement, eventually leading to the establishment of the Second Hellenic Republic in 1924. In the wake of these transformative events, Papoulas underwent a remarkable political metamorphosis. Disillusioned by the old guard and perhaps convinced by the new republican ideals that emerged from the ashes of the war, he shifted his allegiance dramatically, embracing the Venizelist republican cause. This change reflected a broader realignment within the Greek military and political elite, as many sought a new direction for the nation.

The Final Act: A Failed Coup and Tragic End

The political turbulence that characterized Greece in the interwar period continued unabated. Despite the establishment of the Republic, monarchist sentiment persisted, leading to a volatile power struggle. By 1935, the political climate was once again charged with tension, and the threat of a monarchist restoration loomed. In March 1935, a significant republican coup attempt, often referred to as the Venizelist coup, was launched by supporters of Eleftherios Venizelos, aimed at preventing the re-establishment of the monarchy and consolidating republican rule. Anastasios Papoulas, by then a prominent figure in the republican movement, lent his support and involvement to this desperate endeavor.

The coup, however, proved unsuccessful and was swiftly suppressed by government forces. The aftermath was brutal. The government, aiming to crush the republican opposition, moved decisively against the coup's leaders. Anastasios Papoulas was arrested, tried, and subsequently condemned for his role in the rebellion. On 24 April 1935, alongside other prominent figures, he was executed. His death marked a tragic end for a general who had commanded Greece's armies in its most ambitious, and ultimately most disastrous, modern conflict, and whose political journey reflected the deep and often violent divisions within Greek society during a tumultuous era.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Anastasios Papoulas?

Anastasios Papoulas was a distinguished Greek general, primarily known for serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Greek Army during most of the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922). His life concluded with his execution in 1935 after supporting a failed republican coup.

What was his main role in the Greco-Turkish War?

He served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Greek forces in Asia Minor from November 1920 until May 1922. In this capacity, he led the Greek army during its major offensives and retreats against the Turkish nationalist forces, in a conflict that ultimately ended in a catastrophic defeat for Greece.

Why did Anastasios Papoulas's political allegiance change?

Initially a strong royalist, his allegiance shifted to the republican Venizelist movement after the Greek defeat in the Greco-Turkish War in 1922. The military defeat discredited the monarchy and led to its collapse, prompting many, including Papoulas, to embrace republicanism as a new direction for the nation amidst the political turmoil of the time.

What led to his execution in 1935?

Anastasios Papoulas was executed on 24 April 1935, for his support and involvement in a failed republican coup attempt (often called the Venizelist coup) that took place in March 1935. This coup aimed to prevent the restoration of the monarchy and uphold republican rule, but its failure led to severe reprisals against its participants by the then-ruling government.

What is the significance of the dual birth date (1/13 January 1857)?

The dual birth date reflects the transition from the Julian calendar (Old Style) to the Gregorian calendar (New Style). Greece officially adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1923. Therefore, 1 January 1857 was his birth date according to the Julian calendar in use at the time, which corresponds to 13 January 1857 in the modern, internationally recognized Gregorian calendar.