4th of August Regime
8월 4일 체제
The 4th of August Regime was the Greek dictatorship established by Ioannis Metaxas on 4 August 1936, with King George II’s support, through the suspension of parliament and constitutional provisions. It combined anti-communism and ultranationalism with censorship and political repression, while retaining diplomatic and strategic links with Britain rather than aligning with Italy or Germany; the regime effectively ended with the German invasion of Greece in 1941.
In depth
Formation and character
The regime emerged from the deadlock after the 1936 election, labour and agrarian unrest, and the ruling establishment’s fear of communist influence. Metaxas abolished party politics and used martial law, censorship, a ban on strikes, political policing, and exile, while seeking to organize youth and society through the National Organisation of Youth.
Its ideology invoked a “Third Hellenic Civilization” and a “New State” built on a claimed continuity between ancient Greece and Byzantium. It borrowed symbols and organizational forms from fascism, but lacked a mass party base and remained closely tied to the monarchy and Britain. Britain maintained a favorable relationship with the monarchy and regime in view of Greece’s strategic position in the Mediterranean.