In the autumn of 1940, Greece found itself thrust into the chaos of World War II when Italian forces, under the command of Benito Mussolini, launched an invasion from Albania. Despite being outnumbered and under-equipped, Greek forces mounted a formidable defense, pushing the Italians back and even advancing into Albanian territory. This unexpected success humiliated Mussolini and prompted Adolf Hitler to intervene, leading to a swift German invasion in April 1941. Within weeks, Greece had fallen under Axis control, divided between Germany, Italy, and Bulgaria.
The occupation marked the beginning of a dark chapter in Greek history. The country was strategically important, but the Axis powers showed little interest in the welfare of the population. The division of the territory resulted in inconsistent governance and exploitation. The Germans controlled key cities and transportation networks, while the Italians managed the majority of the countryside. Bulgaria, seeking territorial expansion, aggressively imposed policies of assimilation in northern regions. Each occupying force pursued its own interests, often at the expense of the Greek people.
From the earliest days of occupation, the signs of impending crisis were clear. The agricultural economy, already fragile, was disrupted by war and commandeered by the Axis to support their military campaigns. Transportation networks were dismantled or redirected to serve occupying forces, cutting off essential supply chains. Coastal blockades, imposed by the British to weaken the Axis, unintentionally contributed to the strangulation of Greek imports, especially food. The result was a country teetering on the edge of economic and social collapse.
