Postwar Greek Emigration: What Happened
From around 1950 to 1975, hundreds of thousands of Greeks left their country in one of the largest waves of emigration in modern Greek history. After World War II and the civil war, Greece was poor and devastated, with high unemployment, especially in rural areas, where many villages had been destroyed. Political persecution of leftists also drove some people abroad. Many emigrants went to Australia, which actively recruited workers, and Melbourne became one of the cities with the largest Greek populations in the world. Others went to Canada and the United States, where the Greek American community grew further after immigration laws were relaxed in 1965. From the late 1950s and 1960s, large numbers of Greeks also went to West Germany as guest workers under an agreement signed in 1960, working in factories and mines. Emigrants sent money home to support their families, helping the Greek economy. Many returned to Greece in the 1970s and 1980s, but many stayed, forming large and vibrant Greek communities abroad that remain an important part of the Greek diaspora today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Greeks emigrate after World War II?
A major wave of Greek emigration took place from around 1950 to 1975, when hundreds of thousands of Greeks left the country.
Why did Greeks emigrate after the war?
Greece was poor and devastated after World War II and the civil war, with high unemployment in rural areas. Political persecution also drove some leftists abroad.
Where did Greeks emigrate after the war?
Many went to Australia, which actively recruited workers, and to Canada and the United States. Large numbers also went to West Germany as guest workers.
Why does Melbourne have so many Greeks?
Postwar emigration made Melbourne one of the cities with the largest Greek populations in the world, with a vibrant community that remains today.
Did the emigrants return to Greece?
Many returned to Greece in the 1970s and 1980s, but many stayed, forming large Greek communities abroad that remain an important part of the diaspora.
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