Communist Party of Greece
Quick Summary
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) is a political party that unsuccessfully attempted to gain control of Greece in two stages of civil war, from December 1944 to January 1945 and again from 1946 to 1949. The party's origins trace back to the resistance against the Nazi occupation of Greece during World War II, where it led the EAM-ELAS guerrilla force.1
Following the war, the KKE's refusal to disband its forces led to conflict with the British-backed coalition government. Despite initial suppression, the communists reopened hostilities in 1946, leading to a full-scale civil war. The United States provided significant aid to the Greek government under the Truman Doctrine, which ultimately helped the Greek army defeat the communist rebellion in 1949. Markos Vafiades was a founding member and commander of the communist-led Democratic Army during this civil war. The conflict resulted in over 50,000 deaths and displaced over 500,000 Greeks, leaving a lasting legacy of bitterness.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- Greek Civil War
…1946–49), two-stage conflict during which Greek communists unsuccessfully tried to gain control of Greece.
Read More…1946–49), two-stage conflict during which Greek communists unsuccessfully tried to gain control of Greece.
Read More
GreecePolitical process…the Radical Left), and the Communist Party of Greece (Kommunistiko Komma Elladas; KKE). New Democracy, founded by the veteran conservative politician Konstantinos Karamanlis, consistently supported “neoliberal” policies that aimed at limiting the power of the state and encouraging private initiatives and market economics. The PASOK retained a strong commitment to…
Read More…the Radical Left), and the Communist Party of Greece (Kommunistiko Komma Elladas; KKE). New Democracy, founded by the veteran conservative politician Konstantinos Karamanlis, consistently supported “neoliberal” policies that aimed at limiting the power of the state and encouraging private initiatives and market economics. The PASOK retained a strong commitment to…
Read More
GreeceFrom the National Schism to dictatorship…leadership of the newly founded Communist Party of Greece (KKE), they largely remained intensely loyal to Venizélos. Their vote was clearly instrumental in the formal establishment of a republic in 1923, shortly after the departure of King George II, who had briefly succeeded to the throne following his father’s abdication…
Read More…leadership of the newly founded Communist Party of Greece (KKE), they largely remained intensely loyal to Venizélos. Their vote was clearly instrumental in the formal establishment of a republic in 1923, shortly after the departure of King George II, who had briefly succeeded to the throne following his father’s abdication…
Read More