A single military memorandum forced the Turkish government to resign in 1971
Turkey's political landscape was upended in 1971 when the military issued a stern memorandum via radio, demanding a new government and forcing the prime minister to resign without a single shot fired.
Known as the 'Coup by Memorandum,' the events of March 12, 1971, saw the Turkish military leadership demand a 'strong and credible government' to end social unrest. Prime Minister Süleyman Demirel resigned shortly after the ultimatum was delivered, choosing to step down rather than face a direct armed intervention.
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