The aim of the work is a precise definitional framework and an analysis and interpretation of the concept of a coup d'état. Through historical examples, the paper explains the causes that were the motivation for achieving changes and achieving goals. It is necessary to analyze the political framework crucial for the occurrence of a coup d'état; further, distinguish a well-prepared coup accompanied by justified goals from those that were just a desire for power and authority. In addition to motives, it is necessary to clarify the role of the population as the most numerous stakeholder, but also the stakeholders of state services and authorities. Through the work, the most famous historical examples are analyzed. In addition to successful coups, failed coups and the consequences they left on the states are also analyzed. It is necessary to judge whether the changes created by the coup justifiably turned the people against the government, and draw a conclusion by comparing similar events. The paper analyzes whether a coup d'état is exclusively an illegal and violent form of taking power or a negation of existing terror regimes. The paper uses the methods of synthesis and analysis, as well as comparison through secondary sources in the form of literature, research, and scientific papers.