1962 Iraqi Coup (Fascist Coup Britain)

The 1962 Iraqi Coup saw a brief attempt to overthrow the Iraqi Monarchy and establish a republic however the coup was thwarted after military intervention by the Commonwealth.

Background
The buildup to the coup witnessed a growing nationalism amongst the Officer Corp of the Iraqi Army who resented the continued Commonwealth influence over Iraq. Many of these officers began to plan a takeover of the Iraqi government and the overthrow of its monarchy which was seen as a symbol of this Commonwealth control.

The Coup
The coup was conducted by a wide array of factions in Iraqi society who were united by little more than the overthrow of the Monarchy and the ousting of Commonwealth influence this would bring about.

When the coup was launched it saw the rapid overthrow of the Iraqi government, however the King and Prime Minister were able to flee abroad to South Arabia.

The Republic of Iraq
Following the flight of the pro-Commonwealth government the coup plotters declared the republic of Iraq, however little of the constitution was drawn up at the team for fear of destroying the unity of the plotters.

Whilst the coup plotters may have declared the new republic the legitimate government of Iraq in practise the government controlled little beyond the streets of Baghdad.

Commonwealth Intervention
Following the overthrow of the Iraqi Monarchy the Commonwealth rapidly denounced the coup and organised an expeditionary force to restore the Monarchy. The expeditionary force arrived in Iraq in October and rapidly defeated the coup plotters who surrendered in November as the Commonwealth force reached the outskirts of Baghdad.

Aftermath
Following the defeat of the Coup the leading in figures in the coup were put on trial. However the coup also led to the Commonwealth pressuring the Iraqi government to pursue some political reform in order to avert any further coup attempts.

Through the year 1963 a new constitution was drawn and elections were held in 1964.