The Greek Civil War (Origins of Modern Wars)

The Greek Civil War (1943-50) was a major conflict in its own right, developing out of the rivalry between communist and conservative partisans for control of Greece as the Axis forces retreated at the end of the Second World War. Spanning the transition from World War to Cold War, it also had major international consequences in keeping Greece (alone of all the Balkan nations) out of the Communist bloc and stopping the Soviets reaching the Mediterranean. Yet it has received less attention than it deserves from historians.

In this striking and original study, David Close does justice to both the domestic context of the conflict and also to its international significance. The Greek Civil War was a significant event that unfolded during the transition from World War to Cold War, with lasting implications for Greece and the broader Balkan region.

The conflict arose from the power struggle between communist and conservative factions within Greece, as the Axis forces retreated at the end of the Second World War. This rivalry for control of the country had major international consequences, as it kept Greece out of the Communist bloc and prevented the Soviets from gaining a foothold in the Mediterranean.

Despite the importance of the Greek Civil War, it has received relatively little attention from historians compared to other major events of the era. David Close's study, however, seeks to rectify this by providing a comprehensive and nuanced examination of the conflict, considering both its domestic and international dimensions.

The domestic context of the Greek Civil War was complex, involving a range of political, social, and economic factors that contributed to the outbreak and escalation of the conflict. Close's analysis delves into the motivations and strategies of the various factions involved, shedding light on the complex dynamics that shaped the course of the war.

At the same time, the author also explores the international significance of the Greek Civil War, highlighting its role in the emerging Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. The conflict's impact on Greece's political and economic trajectory, as well as its implications for the wider Balkan region, are thoroughly examined.

Overall, this study by David Close provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the Greek Civil War, a conflict that has long deserved greater attention from historians. By exploring the complex interplay of domestic and international factors, the author offers a nuanced and compelling account of this pivotal moment in Greek and European history.

product information: