What is a coup d'etat?

What is a coup d'etat?

• A. A revolution
• B. The Paris Commune
• C. An overthrow of the government
• D. A salon

Answer: (C)

A coup d'etat is a sudden, often clandestine seizure of political power by a small group, usually insiders like military leaders or government officials, with the aim of overthrowing the existing leadership and taking control quickly. This differs from a revolution, which typically involves widespread popular participation, longer social upheaval, and aims for broad systemic change. The Paris Commune refers to a specific historical event where Parisians briefly governed themselves in 1871, not a general term for seizing power. A salon is simply a social gathering and has nothing to do with seizing political control.

A coup d'etat is a sudden, often clandestine seizure of political power by a small group, usually insiders like military leaders or government officials, with the aim of overthrowing the existing leadership and taking control quickly.

This differs from a revolution, which typically involves widespread popular participation, longer social upheaval, and aims for broad systemic change. The Paris Commune refers to a specific historical event where Parisians briefly governed themselves in 1871, not a general term for seizing power. A salon is simply a social gathering and has nothing to do with seizing political control.