On April 21 1967 the Greek military staged a coupe against the civilian government of Greece. The coup was led by General Pattakos and Colonels Papadopoulos and Makarezos. The military arrested all of the leading member of the government as well a Leftist politicians. The King initially supported the coup fearing he had no other option. By initially supporting the coup he gave the army some legitimacy. The King regretted his support and tried to stage a countercoup. The countercoup failed and the King was forced into exile.
