PANGALOS Meaning and
Definition
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Pangalos is a term commonly used to refer to the military dictatorship that took place in Greece from 1926 to 1929. It specifically refers to the government led by General Theodoros Pangalos, who came to power through a military coup in 1925. The term can also be used more broadly to describe any form of authoritarian or dictatorial regime, particularly one that emerges from a military intervention.
During the Pangalos regime, Greece experienced significant political repression, with censorship of the media, suppression of political opposition, and restrictions on civil liberties. Pangalos implemented a series of sweeping reforms, including the abolition of the Greek monarchy, the establishment of a republic, and the centralization of power in his hands. However, his regime was marked by corruption and mismanagement, leading to economic instability and public discontent.
The Pangalos regime was eventually overthrown in 1929 by another military coup, led by General Georgios Kondylis. The term "pangalos" has since become synonymous with authoritarianism and military interventions in Greek politics. It serves as a reminder of this historical period in Greece's history and the oppressive nature of the regime, as well as a cautionary tale against the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual or military institution.
