This book provides a detailed analysis of the political situation in Greece shortly before the outbreak of World War II and the unique character of the dictator Ioannis Metaxas. It explains how the Greek monarchist dictatorship, which bore similarities to the Italian monarchist dictatorship, chose to align itself with the British democracy in this great war, while describing the conditions under which the united Greeks repelled the fascist attack during a time when the Axis was prevailing in the European battlefields.

The Second World War inherited the unfinished business of the First, but it was far bloodier in terms of civilian casualties. The study of the Interwar period convinces us that the second major conflict was inevitable. If the First was a game of the powers regarding the differences of the small, the Second War involved three opposing ideologies in a decisive showdown.

The authoritarian image of the European continent with Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, Salazar, Horthy, Stalin, and the dictators of the Balkans offered an opportunity for George II and Metaxas to implement their anti-parliamentary plans. These plans did not secure them popularity; however, the military readiness of the country and Metaxas's refusal to succumb to the Italian ultimatum recorded his positive contribution to Greece in 1940.

From the introduction by Thanos M. Veremis. Years that marked Modern Greek History. Historical books in which their authors deal with years that marked modern Greek history, presenting all the significant events that occurred during each and demonstrating its unique significance in the course of history.