German invasion of Greece

Quick Facts: Who was German invasion of Greece?

Subject:

German invasion of Greece

Known for:

The 1941 Axis invasion of Greece, following the earlier Italian campaign.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The German invasion of Greece or Operation Marita (German: Unternehmen Marita), were the attacks on Greece by Italy and Germany during World War II. The Italian invasion in October 1940, which is usually known as the Greco-Italian War, was followed by the German invasion in April 1941. German landings on the island of Crete (May 1941) came after Allied forces had been defeated in mainland Greece. These battles were part of the greater Balkans Campaign of the Axis powers and their associates. Following the Italian invasion on 28 October 1940, Greece, with British air and material support, repelled the initial Italian attack and a counter-attack in March 1941.

Career & Major Achievements

When the German invasion, known as Operation Marita, began on 6 April, the bulk of the Greek Army was on the Greek border with Albania, then a vassal of Italy, from which the Italian troops had attacked. German troops invaded from Bulgaria, creating a second front. Greece received a small reinforcement from British, Australian, and New Zealand forces in anticipation of the German attack. The Greek army found itself outnumbered in its effort to defend against both Italian and German troops. As a result, the Metaxas defensive line did not receive adequate troop reinforcements and was quickly overrun by the Germans, who then outflanked the Greek forces at the Albanian border, forcing their surrender.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

British, Australian and New Zealand forces were overwhelmed and forced to retreat, with the ultimate goal of evacuation. For several days, Allied troops played an important part in containing the German advance on the Thermopylae position, allowing ships to be prepared to evacuate the units defending Greece. The German Army reached the capital, Athens, on 27 April and Greece's southern shore on 30 April, capturing 7,000 British, Australian and New Zealand personnel and ending the battle with a decisive victory. The conquest of Greece was completed with the capture of Crete a month later. Following its fall, Greece was occupied by the military forces of Germany, Italy and Bulgaria.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1940: 1940 Milestone — The Italian invasion in October 1940, which is usually known as the Greco-Italian War, was followed by the German invasion in April 1941.
2. 1941: 1941 Milestone — German landings on the island of Crete (May 1941) came after Allied forces had been defeated in mainland Greece.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: German invasion of Greece

True or False: “The German invasion of Greece was solely planned as a direct continuation of the initial Italian assault in October 1940.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The German invasion (Operation Marita) occurred later, beginning on April 6, 1941, and involved an additional front from Bulgaria.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam Kuper — Historical peer (Born in 1941) (1941): Influential British social anthropologist known for research in Southern Africa.
• Adnan Khayr Allah — Historical peer (Born in 1941) (1941): Iraqi military officer and Minister of Defense, closely associated with the Ba'ath regime.
• Abbas Kiarostami — Historical peer (Born in 1940) (1940): Master Iranian filmmaker known for blending fiction and documentary styles.
• Abdurrahman Wahid — Historical peer (Born in 1940) (1940): Influential Indonesian politician, Islamic leader, and fourth President known for pluralism.

Frequently Asked Questions about German invasion of Greece