On this day, July 14, 1958, a swift military coup shook the Kingdom of Iraq, toppling the Hashemite monarchy that had ruled Iraq since its establishment in 1921. This event was pivotal not only in Iraqi history but also in the history of the entire Arab world.
How Did the Revolution Begin?
The coup was led by the Free Officers Movement in the Iraqi army, headed by Abdul Karim Qasim and Abdul Salam Arif. The movement was heavily influenced by the July 23, 1952 revolution in Egypt and the Arab nationalism propagated by Gamal Abdel Nasser.
The opportunity arose when the Iraqi government ordered military forces to be sent to Jordan to support the Jordanian monarchy amid the Lebanon crisis. The Free Officers exploited the movement of these troops, and on the morning of July 14, the military units turned toward the capital, Baghdad.
Overthrowing the Monarchy
In the early hours of the morning, the coup forces seized the Ministry of Defense building and the army command headquarters. They then surrounded the royal palace in Baghdad. The clashes resulted in the deaths of King Faisal II and his family, as well as Prince Abdul Ilah, the former regent.
Following this, Nuri al-Said, the prime minister and a symbol of pro-Western policy, was executed. Nuri al-Said had attempted to escape disguised as a woman but was discovered and killed the next day.
Proclamation of the Republic
On the same day, the Iraqi Republic was declared, with Abdul Karim Qasim assuming the roles of prime minister and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The Arab Hashemite Union between Iraq and Jordan was dissolved, and Iraq announced its withdrawal from the Baghdad Pact.
The revolution brought about radical changes in the political and economic systems, abolished foreign privileges, and implemented land reforms to benefit peasants.
Arab and International Reactions
The revolution was widely welcomed in the Arab street and seen as an extension of the Arab nationalist wave. However, it alarmed the West, particularly Britain and the United States, which considered Iraq a strategic ally. American forces intervened in Lebanon, and British forces in Jordan to prevent the revolution from spreading to their territories.
Abdul Karim Qasim remained in power until 1963, when he was overthrown by another coup led by the Ba’ath Party.
Frequently Asked Questions About the July 14 Revolution
What Were the Causes of the July 14, 1958 Revolution?
The causes were both political and economic: resentment toward Western dependency, Iraq’s membership in the Baghdad Pact, political corruption, the influence of Arab nationalism, and the unequal distribution of wealth.
Why Is It Called the July 14 Revolution?
It is named after the date it occurred, July 14, 1958, the day the political system in Iraq changed from a monarchy to a republic.
Who Were the Leaders of the July 14 Revolution?
Abdul Karim Qasim and Abdul Salam Arif were the prominent leaders, along with a group of Free Officers in the Iraqi army who planned and executed the coup.
How Long Did Abdul Karim Qasim’s Rule Last?
His rule lasted about five years, from July 14, 1958, until February 8, 1963, when he was overthrown by a Ba’ath Party coup.
What Happened to the Royal Family After the Revolution?
King Faisal II, Prince Abdul Ilah, and several members of the royal family were killed during the assault, ending the Hashemite dynasty’s rule in Iraq.
The July 14, 1958 revolution remains one of the most significant milestones in modern Iraqi history, reshaping the country’s political landscape and influencing the trajectory of the Arab world for decades.
