Greek Civil War: What Happened
From 1946 to 1949, Greece was torn apart by a civil war between the government army, supported by Britain and later the United States, and the Democratic Army of Greece, the armed forces of the Communist Party of Greece. The conflict grew out of the deep divisions of the occupation, the Dekemvriana and the White Terror. The communists, led by Nikos Zachariadis and the military commander Markos Vafiadis, fought a guerrilla war from the mountains of northern Greece, receiving support and safe bases from neighboring communist countries, especially Yugoslavia, Albania and Bulgaria. In 1947, the United States announced the Truman Doctrine and took over Britain's role in supporting the Greek government, providing large amounts of military and economic aid. The war was brutal, with atrocities committed by both sides, the destruction of villages, mass displacement of rural populations and the imprisonment of tens of thousands of people in island camps. After the split between Tito and Stalin in 1948, Yugoslavia closed its border in 1949. Government forces under Alexandros Papagos defeated the Democratic Army at Grammos and Vitsi in 1949.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Greek Civil War?
The Greek Civil War was fought from 1946 to 1949 between the government army and the Democratic Army of Greece, the armed forces of the Communist Party.
Who fought in the Greek Civil War?
The government army was supported by Britain and later the United States. The Democratic Army, led by Nikos Zachariadis and Markos Vafiadis, received support from neighboring communist countries.
Who won the Greek Civil War?
The government won. Its army, led by Alexandros Papagos and supported by American aid, defeated the Democratic Army at Grammos and Vitsi in 1949.
Why did Yugoslavia close its border in 1949?
After the split between Tito and Stalin in 1948, Yugoslavia closed its border to the Greek communists in 1949, cutting off an important source of support.
How did the Greek Civil War affect Greece?
The war caused tens of thousands of deaths, mass displacement and deep divisions between left and right that shaped Greek politics for a generation.
