Greece (1941-1974)

From 1941 to 1974, Greece experienced foreign occupation, civil war, dominance of government by the Right, and military dictatorship. Those in control and power for much of this period excluded, tormented, and killed many who resisted them or opposed them ideologically.

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Greece (1941-1974): Years of Occupation, Years of Strife, and Years of Exclusion examines the history and politics of Greece during the period Greece experienced years of brutal foreign occupation, a savage civil war, dominance by those on the Right of the ideological spectrum, and a military dictatorship. One overarching characteristic of this phase in Greek history was constant interference by many including, of course, the foreign occupiers as well as the British and the Americans. In addition, during these years certain segments of the population were prosecuted, persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, sent to labor camps, exiled, and many were killed because they resisted the occupiers, or because of their ideological beliefs and political standing. These are among the reasons why so many Greeks consider their modern history to be difficult and “unkind”.

Although foreign interference has not lessened, some might argue, it has increased since the financial crisis beginning in 2008-2009, many aspects of the exclusivist state have been eliminated after the collapse of the military dictatorship in 1974. And despite the brief rise of extremist Left-wing and Right-wing, today’s political landscape is more moderate. Good reasons for Greeks to think that better days lay ahead.