In late 1922 the Greco-Turkish War was occurring across Anatolia, and the Burning of Smyrna had caused much political unrest in Greece.

Constantine I was forced to resign, and eventually his son George took power of Greece.

He immediately ordered the initiated officers to occupy strategic positions.

The movement initially took place in the military hospital, where Colonel Dertilis was detained.

At Thessaloniki, the fleet joined the movement, while the battleship Averof was captured by initiated naval officers.