The studies in this volume, based on new archival research, thoroughly and analytically highlight the significance and impact of the modernization and reforms of the institutional, administrative, and economic framework of the country during the Venizelos governments, particularly concerning the sea: commercial shipping, fishing, ports, and the port infrastructures of the country's new territories.
The adaptation to international European developments, the prevalence of the new steam technology, the Greek and foreign shipping lines, and the expansion of the Greek state with the annexation of new territories, enforced the changes for the new era of Greece in the 20th century.
During the Venizelos governments, the Directorate of Merchant Shipping/Ministry of Merchant Shipping was established, along with the Coast Guard, the Port Authority of Piraeus, the first Public Nautical School for Captains in Hydra, as well as all the legislation for the protection of maritime labor, to mention just a few of the reforms that left behind Old Greece and ushered in a new era.
