During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, Greece saw monarchies banishing of royalty, brutal political fights, assassinations, and dictatorships, wars that added neighboring territories and new population, but also brought economic devastation and poverty. After the defeat of Germany and the end of World War II, Greece joined NATO in 1952. Then, they experienced a hostile civil war between communist and anticommunist forces.
In 1967, a group of military officers took power, establishing a military dictatorship. This dictatorship suspended many political freedoms and forced the king to leave the country. In 1974, democratic elections and a vote created a parliamentary republic and eradicated the monarchy. In August 1974 Greek forces withdrew from the unified military structure of NATO in protest against the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus, and then Greece rejoined NATO in 1980. In 1981, Greece joined the EU and became the 12th member of the Eurozone in 2001. It successfully hosted the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. …show more content…
Greeks as a whole are extremely proud of their history, their cultural heritage and their contribution to literature, art, philosophy and politics. They speak with intense passion of their country as the cradle of European civilization.
A recent study found that Greeks' pride in being Greek surpassed the ethnic satisfaction of every other European nation. Greeks define their natural and ethnic belonging through their culture and tradition. Traditions, religion, music, language, food and drinks are the pillars of contemporary Greek culture and lifestyle, making the country an attraction point for visitors from all over the
In 1967, a group of military officers took power, establishing a military dictatorship. This dictatorship suspended many political freedoms and forced the king to leave the country. In 1974, democratic elections and a vote created a parliamentary republic and eradicated the monarchy. In August 1974 Greek forces withdrew from the unified military structure of NATO in protest against the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus, and then Greece rejoined NATO in 1980. In 1981, Greece joined the EU and became the 12th member of the Eurozone in 2001. It successfully hosted the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. …show more content…
Greeks as a whole are extremely proud of their history, their cultural heritage and their contribution to literature, art, philosophy and politics. They speak with intense passion of their country as the cradle of European civilization.
A recent study found that Greeks' pride in being Greek surpassed the ethnic satisfaction of every other European nation. Greeks define their natural and ethnic belonging through their culture and tradition. Traditions, religion, music, language, food and drinks are the pillars of contemporary Greek culture and lifestyle, making the country an attraction point for visitors from all over the