published on: 06/04/2023
Author:
Sonic
On April 6th, 1941, Nazi Germany launched a surprise attack on Greece, which was then occupied by Italian forces. The invasion was part of Hitler's plan to conquer the Balkans and secure access to the Mediterranean. German troops crossed the border into Greece from Bulgaria, overwhelming Greek and British forces, who were defending the country.
Despite fierce resistance from the Greek army, the German military machine proved too powerful, and by the end of April, Athens had fallen to the Nazis. The occupation of Greece lasted until 1944, during which time the Greek people suffered greatly under Nazi rule, with thousands of Greeks losing their lives and many more being imprisoned or forced into labor camps.
The invasion of Greece marked a significant turning point in World War II, as it diverted resources away from the planned invasion of the Soviet Union and delayed the start of Operation Barbarossa. It also highlighted the bravery and determination of the Greek people in the face of overwhelming odds, and their contribution to the Allied war effort was recognized and celebrated by the international community.