Historical Events

Greek Resistance and the Dekemvriana

Greek Resistance and the Dekemvriana was a resistance struggle and power conflict that began with Axis occupation in 1941 and led to the Varkiza Agreement in 1945. Against the occupation by Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria, the Communist-led National Liberation Front (EAM) and its Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS) became the largest forces through work in the countryside and cities amid famine and collaboration. When German troops withdrew in October 1944, EAM controlled most of Greece, but Britain sought to preserve the monarchy and a non-EAM government, while the Soviet Union effectively accepted Greece as a British sphere of influence. On 1 December, General Ronald Scobie ordered the resistance forces to disarm. EAM ministers resigned, and police fire at a demonstration in Athens on 3 December began 37 days of fighting among British and government forces and ELAS. British reinforcements and firepower forced EAM to withdraw, and on 12 February 1945 the Varkiza Agreement accepted ELAS dissolution and disarmament.