The End of the Greek Military Junta of 1967-1974: Political Implications and Historical Context

The Greek military junta, which ruled from 1967 to 1974, saw a tumultuous end orchestrated by various global and regional forces. Understanding the political and historical backdrop is crucial to comprehending the junta's downfall.

The Rise of the Junta and the Cyprus Crisis

The establishment of the Greek military junta in 1967 was the result of a coup led by Colonel George Papadopoulos. The junta promised to restore order and crack down on perceived threats, including left-wing movements and the leaders of Cyprus. Under Papadopoulos, the junta implemented a series of harsh measures, including the imprisonment, torture, and exile of political opponents, effectively placing Greece in a state of authoritarian rule.

Attila Operation and NATO's Involvement

Beneath the veil of the junta's oppressive rule and their internal political maneuvering, the United States, particularly Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, began to orchestrate what became known as the 'Attila Operation.' This secret plan aimed to bypass Greece's democratic structures and ensure the success of NATO's strategic interests, particularly vis-à-vis Turkey's growing influence in the region. Kissinger's approach was to destabilize Cyprus and create a situation that would justify Turkey's invasion and occupation of the northern part of the island.

The Cyprus Conflict and Soviet Involvement

As the junta sought to maintain control and suppress internal dissent, President Makarios of Cyprus attempted to seek external support, specifically from the Soviet Union, to guarantee the island's territorial integrity. However, the Greek military junta saw this as a direct threat to their grip on power. They did not receive the expected support from their American and Turkish allies, who had other strategic interests in mind.

Seeking to maintain the status quo and prevent a Soviet influence, the Greek military junta decided to take matters into their own hands by supporting a Cypriot coup that placed Nikos Sampson, an ultra-nationalist pro-Enosis leader, in power. This action was a direct precursor to the Turkish military intervention and the subsequent division of Cyprus.

The Turkish Invasion and Attila Plan's Succession

The Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 was the culmination of the Attila Operation, which aimed to destabilize the island and weaken Greek and Soviet influence in the region. The invasion was a double-edged sword for both Greece and Turkey, as it resulted in significant human and territorial losses for Cyprus. The Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island has remained a contentious issue, with the international community condemning the invasion.

The Fall of the Junta and the Path to Democracy

The Greek military junta, despite its initial success in maintaining power, faced increasing pressure from both external and internal sources. The growing dissatisfaction with the junta's policies, combined with the international backlash against the invasion, eventually led to its downfall. In December 1973, a military coup led by Dimitrios Ioannides, another hardline supporter of the junta, replaced Papadopoulos. This change only temporarily prolonged the junta's rule.

The situation came to a head with the Athens Polytechnic uprising in November 1973, a massive student-civilian demonstration that resulted in significant human loss. This event culminated in the eventual overthrow of the Greek military junta, leading to the installation of Konstantinos Karamanlis, who was brought back from exile in France to re-establish democracy in Greece.

Conclusion: Legacy of the Junta

The end of the Greek military junta of 1967-1974 marked a significant turning point in Greek politics and history. The events of this period have left a lasting impact on both domestic and international relations, particularly in the context of Cyprus and NATO. The lessons learned from this era continue to influence contemporary political discourse.