14 July Revolution
IraqThe 14 July Revolution, also known as the 1958 Iraqi military coup, occurred on 14 July 1958 in Iraq, leading to the overthrow of King Faisal II and the Hashemite-led Kingdom of Iraq. This event marked the establishment of the Iraqi Republic and ended the brief Hashemite Arab Federation between Iraq and Jordan, formed just six months prior.
Post-World War II, the Kingdom of Iraq became a center of Arab nationalism. Economic difficulties and strong opposition to Western influence, exacerbated by Iraq's participation in the Baghdad Pact in 1955 and King Faisal's support for the British-led invasion of Egypt during the Suez Crisis, fueled unrest. Prime Minister Nuri al-Said's policies, particularly unpopular among military personnel, sparked covert opposition organizing, inspired by Egypt's Free Officers Movement that had overthrown the Egyptian monarchy in 1952. Pan-Arab sentiment in Iraq was further strengthened by the formation of the United Arab Republic in February 1958 under Gamal Abdel Nasser.
In July 1958, as Iraqi army units were sent to support King Hussein of Jordan, Iraqi Free Officers, led by Brigadier Abd al-Karim Qasim and Colonel Abdul Salam Arif, capitalized on this moment to advance on Baghdad. On 14 July, these revolutionary forces took control of the capital, declaring a new republic and forming a Revolutionary Council. The coup resulted in the execution of King Faisal and Crown Prince Abd al-Ilah at the royal palace, ending the Hashemite dynasty in Iraq. Prime Minister al-Said, attempting escape, was captured and killed the following day.
Following the coup, Qasim became Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, with Arif as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. A provisional constitution was established in late July. By March 1959, the new Iraqi government had distanced itself from the Baghdad Pact and began aligning with the Soviet Union.