White Terror: What Happened
In 1945 and 1946, after the Varkiza Agreement, a wave of violence and persecution was carried out against leftists and former members of the EAM resistance in Greece, a period known as the White Terror. After ELAS disarmed, right-wing paramilitary groups, some including former collaborators with the German occupation, attacked people suspected of left-wing sympathies. The violence was concentrated in rural areas, especially in the Peloponnese and parts of central Greece. Victims were beaten, imprisoned, murdered or forced to flee their villages, and their property was sometimes destroyed. Security forces and courts often failed to protect them. Tens of thousands of leftists were imprisoned, and many former resistance fighters were prosecuted for acts committed during the occupation and the Dekemvriana. Leftist groups also carried out acts of violence and revenge in some areas. The White Terror deepened mistrust and division in Greek society. Many persecuted leftists fled to the mountains, forming armed groups that became the core of the Democratic Army during the Greek Civil War.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the White Terror in Greece?
The White Terror was a wave of violence and persecution against leftists and former EAM members in 1945 and 1946, after ELAS disarmed under the Varkiza Agreement.
Who carried out the White Terror?
Right-wing paramilitary groups, some including former collaborators with the German occupation, carried out attacks, while security forces and courts often failed to protect victims.
Where did the White Terror take place?
The violence was concentrated in rural areas, especially in the Peloponnese and parts of central Greece.
Was there violence on both sides?
Yes. Leftist groups also carried out acts of violence and revenge in some areas, deepening the cycle of mistrust.
How did the White Terror lead to civil war?
Many persecuted leftists fled to the mountains and formed armed groups that became the core of the Democratic Army in the Greek Civil War.
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