Migration Experiences – Topic 2
The Greek community in Australia is a vast and vibrant one. It is estimated that there is between 600,000 and 700,000 (including 2nd and 3rd generation) living in Australia now. This report will address the reasons for their migration, impact Australian Government policies have had on their immigration and the contributions they have made to modern-day Australia.
Push Factors
Australia saw Greek immigration in varying eras and numbers, highly dependent on political and social issues experienced in Greece during history. Greece was devastated by the Great Depression of the 1930s. There was unprecedented high levels of unemployment which translated into mass poverty and great social unrest. Greeks during this …show more content…
The Greek people suffered years of deprivations under German control – agricultural produce was confiscated and their fishing fleets were prevented to operate. Over 100,000 people died in the resultant famine. “In 1944, allied and Greek forces combined to drive the Nazis from Greece. However, differences between political groups escalated, leading to the outbreak of civil war in 1946”. This conflict, lasting 3 years, caused another economic catastrophe, bitter political hostilities and deep division throughout society. The Greek government at this time encouraged its citizens to immigrate to other countries as a way of solving high unemployment and poverty. In addition, some Greeks, particularly those who were communist insurgents, fled their country and came to Australia immediately after the war, in fear of persecution.
In 1967, a military dictatorship took control of Greece (overthrowing a parliamentary democracy). During this time, civil liberties were suspended and again civil unrest ensued. Many Greeks immigrated in search of political freedom and a better standard of living for their …show more content…
Between 1916 and 1920 Greek citizens were refused entry into Australia because those arriving in Australia during this time (first conscription referendum) were thought could threaten the jobs of Australian soldiers fighting abroad. During this time there were a number of anti-Greek outbursts resulting in shops or cafes being damaged and destroyed. After 1920, the number of Greeks granted entry were limited to strict numbers per year, controlled by the granting (or denying) of visas. Between 1921 and 1924, a variety of tough measures were implemented to restrict entry into Australia (number limits and landing-money requirements). This made it virtually impossible for impoverished Greeks, who required the opportunity of employment, to enter the country. In 1924, policy was introduced which required ‘white aliens’ (non- British Europeans) to have a certain amount of money or guaranteed employment. “Regulation permitted a combined total of only 1,200 sponsored immigrants per year from Greece”. During and after the Depression, even more rigid and strict policies were introduced to reduce the number of
The Greek community in Australia is a vast and vibrant one. It is estimated that there is between 600,000 and 700,000 (including 2nd and 3rd generation) living in Australia now. This report will address the reasons for their migration, impact Australian Government policies have had on their immigration and the contributions they have made to modern-day Australia.
Push Factors
Australia saw Greek immigration in varying eras and numbers, highly dependent on political and social issues experienced in Greece during history. Greece was devastated by the Great Depression of the 1930s. There was unprecedented high levels of unemployment which translated into mass poverty and great social unrest. Greeks during this …show more content…
The Greek people suffered years of deprivations under German control – agricultural produce was confiscated and their fishing fleets were prevented to operate. Over 100,000 people died in the resultant famine. “In 1944, allied and Greek forces combined to drive the Nazis from Greece. However, differences between political groups escalated, leading to the outbreak of civil war in 1946”. This conflict, lasting 3 years, caused another economic catastrophe, bitter political hostilities and deep division throughout society. The Greek government at this time encouraged its citizens to immigrate to other countries as a way of solving high unemployment and poverty. In addition, some Greeks, particularly those who were communist insurgents, fled their country and came to Australia immediately after the war, in fear of persecution.
In 1967, a military dictatorship took control of Greece (overthrowing a parliamentary democracy). During this time, civil liberties were suspended and again civil unrest ensued. Many Greeks immigrated in search of political freedom and a better standard of living for their …show more content…
Between 1916 and 1920 Greek citizens were refused entry into Australia because those arriving in Australia during this time (first conscription referendum) were thought could threaten the jobs of Australian soldiers fighting abroad. During this time there were a number of anti-Greek outbursts resulting in shops or cafes being damaged and destroyed. After 1920, the number of Greeks granted entry were limited to strict numbers per year, controlled by the granting (or denying) of visas. Between 1921 and 1924, a variety of tough measures were implemented to restrict entry into Australia (number limits and landing-money requirements). This made it virtually impossible for impoverished Greeks, who required the opportunity of employment, to enter the country. In 1924, policy was introduced which required ‘white aliens’ (non- British Europeans) to have a certain amount of money or guaranteed employment. “Regulation permitted a combined total of only 1,200 sponsored immigrants per year from Greece”. During and after the Depression, even more rigid and strict policies were introduced to reduce the number of