What side was Greece on in ww2?

Greece's territory was divided into occupation zones run by the Axis powers, with the Germans administering the most important regions of the country themselves, including Athens, Thessaloniki and the strategic Aegean Islands. Other regions of the country were given to Germany's partners, Italy and Bulgaria.

Was Greece part of the allies in ww2?

A rapid German Blitzkrieg campaign followed in April 1941, and by the middle of May, Greece was under joint occupation by three Axis powers: Germany, Italy and Bulgaria. A collaborationist Greek government was established immediately after the country fell.

Was Greece an allied country?

The disagreement between King Constantine, who favoured neutrality, and the pro-Allied Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos led to the National Schism, the division of the state between two rival governments. Finally, Greece united and joined the Allies in the summer of 1917.

What was Greece's role in ww2?

The military history of Greece during World War II began on 28 October 1940, when the Italian Army invaded Greece from Albania, beginning the Greco-Italian War. The Greek Army was able to temporarily halt the invasion and push the Italians back into Albania. The Greek successes forced Nazi Germany to intervene.

Why did Germany invade Greece?

In order to secure the Balkan flank in anticipation of the attack on the Soviet Union, planned for June 22, 1941, Hitler ordered the invasion of Yugoslavia and Greece.

Greece during World War II (1940 – 1944) – The Axis Occupation of Greece

Did Greece do good in ww2?

Not only did Greece protect its homeland, marking the first defeat of the Axis in WWII, but it allowed the British to tighten the blockade in the Mediterranean and cut Italy's communication lines, allowing for extra months of time for allies to prepare.

When did Greece join the Allies in ww2?

Greece entered World War II on 28 October 1940, when the Italian army invaded from Albania, beginning the Greco-Italian War. The Greek army was able to stop the invasion and was even able to push the Italians back into Albania, thereby winning one of the first victories for the Allies.

How long did Greece resist in ww2?

According to historical record, Greece resisted for a total of 219 days against Italy, Germany, Bulgaria and Albania between October of 1940 and April of 1941 when Nazi Germany launched a final, massive attack through Bulgaria.

Did Italy switch sides in ww2?

The Italian government switched sides and joined the Allies in 1943, but not all Italians abandoned the fascist cause, resulting in Italians fighting Italians for the rest of the war.

Who did Turkey side with in ww2?

Turkey remained neutral until the final stages of World War II and tried to maintain an equal distance between both the Axis and the Allies until February 1945, when Turkey entered the war on the side of the Allies against Germany and Japan.

What side did Greece fight in ww1?

On July 2, 1917, several weeks after King Constantine I abdicates his throne in Athens under pressure from the Allies, Greece declares war on the Central Powers, ending three years of neutrality by entering World War I alongside Britain, France, Russia and Italy.

Why did Italy invade Greece in ww2?

On August 22, 1940, Italy decided to attack Greece on October 10, 1940, in order to give priority to the war in North Africa in coordination with the German attack on England. At the same time, Greece had begun a series of war preparations in 1939.

Why did Italy switch sides in ww2?

Military disaster. Only in June 1940, when France was about to fall and World War II seemed virtually over, did Italy join the war on Germany's side, still hoping for territorial spoils. Mussolini announced his decision—one bitterly opposed by his foreign minister, Galeazzo Ciano—to huge crowds across Italy on June 10.

Did Italy invade Greece?

On October 28, 1940, Mussolini's army, already occupying Albania, invades Greece in what will prove to be a disastrous military campaign for the Duce's forces.

When did Britain invade Greece?

On March 7, 1941, a British expeditionary force from North Africa lands in Greece. In October 1940, Mussolini's army, already occupying Albania, invaded Greece in what proved to be a disastrous military campaign for the Duce's forces.

What side was Portugal on in ww2?

Portugal. Portugal – Portugal was officially neutral during World War II. However, it maintained a close relationship with the UK, due to the alliance it had for the last six hundred years, which is the longest lasting military alliance in history.

What side was Austria on in ww2?

Throughout World War Two, 950,000 Austrians fought for Nazi Germany's armed forces.

When did Greece surrender in ww2?

By 20 April, it was clear that the Allied forces could do no more than disrupt and slow the German advance. The Greek government agreed that the force should be evacuated. On 23 April the Greek army itself surrendered.

What side was Norway on in ww2?

With the outbreak of hostilities in 1939, Norway again declared itself neutral. On April 9, 1940, German troops invaded the country and quickly occupied Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Narvik. The Norwegian government rejected the German ultimatum regarding immediate capitulation.

Did the Greeks ever invade England?

A significant number of Greeks also arrived in England to fight on the side of the English kings during the wars they frequently engaged in against the Scots as well as other groups. These soldiers became known in Britain as the ”stratioti,” which is Greek for “soldier.”