Newly declassified documents reveal that Antonio Tejero's coup attempt on February 23, 1981, was not only spontaneous but strategically timed to preempt two other military operations that were being planned concurrently. These documents, part of a file titled 'Overview of Ongoing Operations' dated November 1980, suggest that the conspirators led by the Civil Guard were convinced a 'spectacular terrorist act' would be sufficient to galvanize other factions within the military to either join or abstain from opposing the coup.

According to the anonymous author of the document, despite the apparent simplicity of Tejero's plan compared to the elaborate schemes of other military factions, it was viewed as the most likely to succeed as early as three months before the coup. The confidence among the conspirators stemmed from the belief that a decisive trigger, like the proposed coup, would lead to broader support within the Armed Forces, thereby enabling them to seize control without facing significant resistance.

The implications of this analysis shed light on the dynamics within Spain's military and political landscape during this tumultuous period. The expectation that a bold maneuver could sway other military leaders reflects the tension and uncertainty in Spain following the end of Franco's dictatorship, highlighting the fragility of democratic processes as various factions vied for influence in the country's transitional government.