The period between 1967 and 1974 in Greece is indelibly marked by the rule of the Greek junta, often referred to as the Regime of the Colonels. This was a staunchly right-wing military dictatorship that abruptly seized control of the nation, fundamentally altering its political trajectory for seven tumultuous years. Its emergence was a dark chapter in modern Greek history, reflecting a broader pattern of political instability and Cold War anxieties that had plagued the country since the end of World War II.

On the morning of April 21, 1967, a mere month before scheduled national elections, a small group of military officers, primarily colonels, executed a swift and decisive coup d'état. These elections were widely anticipated, with Georgios Papandreou's centrist Centre Union party heavily favored to win, a prospect viewed with alarm by certain conservative and royalist factions within the establishment and military. The coup leaders, citing an imminent "communist threat" – a common pretext in many military takeovers during the Cold War era – moved quickly to dismantle the existing caretaker government and impose their authority, catching both the political establishment and the populace by surprise.

The Characteristics of an Authoritarian Rule

The dictatorship quickly established a regime characterized by severe authoritarianism. Its ideology was rooted in a fervent anti-communism and a conservative nationalism often referred to as "Helleno-Christian civilization." This translated into a systematic crackdown on perceived enemies of the state and a profound curtailment of fundamental human rights. Key features of its rule included:

• Restrictions on Civil Liberties: Freedom of speech, assembly, and the press were immediately suppressed. Newspapers were heavily censored, and political parties were banned.
• Right-Wing Cultural Policies: The regime promoted a strict, traditionalist view of Greek society, attempting to shape public life through conservative social engineering, including reforms in education and the suppression of modern cultural expressions.
• Repression of Political Opponents: Dissent was met with brutal force. Thousands of political opponents, including prominent figures and ordinary citizens, were arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and exiled to remote islands or military camps. Organizations like the notorious Military Police (ESA) became symbols of the regime's brutality.
• Anti-Communism: This was a cornerstone of the junta's narrative, used to justify its existence and its draconian measures against any form of opposition, framing it as a defense against internal subversion.

Leadership and Its Internal Divisions

Initially, the junta was effectively led by Georgios Papadopoulos, who served as Prime Minister and later as President from 1967 until 1973. During his tenure, Papadopoulos attempted to lend a veneer of legitimacy to the regime, culminating in a 1973 referendum. This referendum aimed to abolish the monarchy (which had been in a strained relationship with the junta) and transition Greece into a presidential republic, ostensibly as a step towards "gradual democratisation." However, this attempt at renewal and liberalization was short-lived and ultimately failed to placate the hardline elements within the military.

In November 1973, Papadopoulos's efforts were abruptly ended by another coup, this time orchestrated by Dimitrios Ioannidis, a fiercely uncompromising hardliner and the head of the Military Police. Ioannidis believed Papadopoulos was becoming too lenient and sought to reinforce the authoritarian nature of the regime. He ruled with an even heavier hand, further isolating Greece internationally and intensifying internal repression.

The Fall of the Junta and the Birth of a New Republic

The ultimate downfall of the Regime of the Colonels on July 24, 1974, was directly triggered by a catastrophic foreign policy misadventure: the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Ioannidis's aggressive, ill-conceived attempt to overthrow the Cypriot government and unite the island with Greece led to a swift and devastating Turkish military response. The ensuing crisis exposed the military junta's incompetence and shattered its domestic and international credibility. Under immense pressure from this national humiliation and the threat of widespread civil unrest, the military leadership was forced to relinquish power.

This dramatic collapse paved the way for the Metapolitefsi (meaning "regime change" or "transition"), a pivotal moment that marked Greece's return to democratic governance. Konstantinos Karamanlis, a former Prime Minister in self-exile, was recalled to form a government of national unity. This ushered in the Third Hellenic Republic, laying the foundations for the stable parliamentary democracy that Greece enjoys today, profoundly shaping its modern political identity and its place in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Greek Junta

What was the primary reason cited by the colonels for seizing power?

The colonels primarily cited the need to prevent an alleged "communist takeover" as the justification for their coup, playing on Cold War fears and political instability.

How did the international community react to the Greek junta?

Reactions varied. While some nations, particularly the United States, initially maintained diplomatic relations due to Cold War strategic interests, many European countries and international organizations condemned the regime for its human rights abuses and lack of democracy. Greece was eventually suspended from the Council of Europe in 1969.

What were some of the most significant human rights abuses under the junta?

The regime was notorious for widespread arrests, the imprisonment and torture of political dissidents in places like the EAT-ESA (Military Police Investigation Unit) headquarters, the use of internal exile (especially to remote islands), and severe censorship.

Who were the key leaders of the Greek junta?

The most prominent figures were Georgios Papadopoulos, who initiated and led the regime for most of its duration, and later Dimitrios Ioannidis, a hardliner who overthrew Papadopoulos and governed until the junta's collapse.

What does "Metapolitefsi" mean and why is it important?

Metapolitefsi literally means "regime change" or "transition." It refers to the crucial period following the fall of the junta in 1974 when Greece successfully transitioned back to parliamentary democracy. It is important as it signifies the establishment of the current democratic system in Greece.

How did the Cyprus crisis directly lead to the fall of the junta?

The junta, under Ioannidis, orchestrated a coup in Cyprus in July 1974 with the aim of uniting the island with Greece. This immediately provoked Turkey to invade northern Cyprus, leading to a military defeat for the Greek forces and a severe national humiliation. The crisis exposed the junta's incompetence and pushed the military leadership to transfer power back to civilian rule to prevent further disaster.