Start of the Metaxas Dictatorship: What Happened
On 4 August 1936, General Ioannis Metaxas, the prime minister, established a dictatorship in Greece with the support of King George II. Following elections in January 1936, which left parliament deadlocked between royalists and Venizelists, with the Communist Party holding the balance of power, the king appointed Metaxas as prime minister after the deaths of several political leaders. When a general strike was called for 5 August 1936, Metaxas used it as a pretext to declare a state of emergency, suspend key articles of the constitution and dissolve parliament. His regime, known as the Fourth of August Regime, was authoritarian and anti-communist. It banned political parties, imposed press censorship, and imprisoned or exiled thousands of political opponents, especially communists. Metaxas admired aspects of fascist regimes and created a national youth organization, but he remained aligned with Britain in foreign policy. He also carried out social and economic reforms and strengthened the army and defensive fortifications. On 28 October 1940, Metaxas rejected an Italian ultimatum, the famous Oxi, bringing Greece into World War II. He died in January 1941.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Metaxas dictatorship begin?
The Metaxas dictatorship began on 4 August 1936, when Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas suspended parts of the constitution and dissolved parliament with the king's support.
What was the Fourth of August Regime?
The Fourth of August Regime was the name of Metaxas's authoritarian government, which banned parties, censored the press and imprisoned opponents.
Why did Metaxas take power?
After deadlocked 1936 elections and a planned general strike, Metaxas used the situation as a pretext to declare a state of emergency.
Was Metaxas a fascist?
Metaxas admired aspects of fascist regimes and created a national youth organization, but he stayed aligned with Britain in foreign policy.
What is Metaxas remembered for?
Metaxas is remembered for his dictatorship and for rejecting Italy's ultimatum on 28 October 1940, the famous Oxi. He died in January 1941.
