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Why did the United Arab Republic between Egypt and Syria end in 1961?

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Flag of Egypt with horizontal red, white, and black stripes and a gold eagle centered on the white stripe. — Egypt Flag of Egypt.

The United Arab Republic, a political union between Egypt and Syria, dissolved on September 28, 1961, following a military coup in Syria.1

The union faced significant internal friction from its inception. Gamal Abdel Nasser implemented administrative structures that marginalized Syrian officials, leading to the resignation of members of the Ba'th Party as early as 1959. Dissatisfaction grew as Nasser enforced economic policies that were unpopular in Syria, including the nationalization of private enterprises and financial institutions, as well as the limitation of landholdings.1

These tensions reached a breaking point in July 1961 following a series of decrees that further exacerbated public and political agitation. Consequently, Syrian military units staged a coup and successfully seceded from the union without contest. While the union ended in 1961, Egypt continued to use the name United Arab Republic until 1971.12