Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Germany invades and occupies Greece. Monarchists, republicans and communists form resist-
ance groups that, despite infighting, drive out the Germans after three years.
1944-49
The end of WWII sees Greece descend into civil war, pitching monarchists against communists.
The monarchists recover in 1946, but the civil war takes its toll and many Greeks emigrate in
search of a better life.
1967-74
Right- and left-wing factions continue to bicker, provoking in April 1967 a right-wing military
coup d'état by army generals who establish a junta. They impose martial law and abolish many
civil rights.
1973
On 17 November tanks ram the gates of the Athens Polytechnio (Technical University) and
troops storm the school buildings in a bid to quash a student uprising against the junta. More
than 20 students die.
1974
A botched plan to unite Cyprus with Greece prompts the invasion of Cyprus by Turkish troops
and results in the fall of the military junta. This acts as a catalyst for the restoration of parlia-
mentary democracy in Greece.
1981
Greece joins the EU, effectively removing protective trade barriers and opening up the Greek
economy to the wider world for the first time. The economy grows smartly.
1981-90
Greece acquires its first elected socialist government (PASOK) under the leadership of Andreas
Papandreou. The honeymoon lasts nine years. The conservatives ultimately reassume power.
1999
Turkey and Greece experience powerful earthquakes within weeks of each other that result in
hundreds of deaths. By pledging mutual aid and support, the two nations initiate a warming of
diplomatic relations.
2004
