About

The 1981 Spanish coup attempt, led by **Antonio Tejero** and known as **23-F**, was the most significant crisis during Spain's transition to democracy. On February 23, Tejero led armed Civil Guards into the **Cortes Generales** (the Spanish Parliament), firing shots and taking lawmakers hostage. As some military commanders showed signs of support, the possibility of a full military intervention loomed. However, King **Juan Carlos I**, acting as Commander-in-Chief, delivered a televised address clearly declaring his defense of the constitutional order and his opposition to the coup. This swiftly calmed the unrest within the military. By the following morning, the coup forces were isolated, and Tejero was arrested. This event served as a stark reminder of military dictatorship to Spanish society while simultaneously solidifying public support for the constitutional monarchy and democracy. Subsequently, military interference in politics weakened significantly, and the democratic system grew even stronger.