Coup d’etat is a term used to describe an attempt by military officers or other members of the army or police force to overthrow the civilian government. The military junta often takes control of the country and institutes dictatorship. Military coups can happen in any country, but they are more common in developing countries. A coup d’etat is similar to a civil war, but there are several differences. Civil wars are fought between citizens, while coups are seized by the military.
Military coups can lead to the creation of new states, or they can result in the change of political leaders. Many coups are bloodless, but others have led to the loss of lives and the destruction of property. Some of the most notable military coups include:
Coups d’etat can have a positive or negative impact on the countries involved. The negative effects usually involve loss of freedom, and the positive effects include economic growth and development. The coup d’etat of 1952 in Chile was a positive event, as it brought General Salvador Allende to power and helped him create a socialist state. In contrast, the 1970 Dahomeyan coup of 1972, which was a negative event, resulted in the overthrow of the Presidential Council by Major Mathieu Kerekou. Another negative event was the 1969 Libyan coup of 1969, in which Muammar al-Gaddafi overthrew the monarchy and established the Libyan Arab Republic.
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