This 1947 March of Time “Report on Greece” looks at Greece’s post-WWII difficulties, including the threat that the cradle of democracy could end up in the hands of communists. The film shows how, after years of war, occupation, and a continuous struggle of resistance, Greece found itself in a state of near collapse and its seven million citizens in poverty. Western intervention aimed to stabilize the nation and prevent Soviet influence. Despite political instability and dependence on international aid, Greece was able to rebuild. Agriculture, industry, and infrastructure saw slow but critical recovery efforts. Ultimately, the Greeks aspired to create a democratic society with freedom, opportunity, and stronger ties to the USA and Britain.

0:00 – Greece, cradle of Western civilization, struggles after WWII with devastation.

1:10 – War and occupation have left millions of Greeks homeless, impoverished, and malnourished, relying on U.S. and Canadian food aid.

1:45 – Hyperinflation makes Greek currency worthless; children scavenge for food while tons of devalued money are destroyed.

2:32 – Over 1,400 villages were destroyed during the war.

2:56 – Greece’s once-thriving maritime and transportation infrastructure is ruined; only a fraction of its fleet survived the war.

3:56 – In 1940, Greece bravely resisted Italian invasion and initially succeeded, boosting Allied morale.

4:22 – Hitler invades from Bulgaria and Yugoslavia; British aid is insufficient, and Greece falls, but resistance continues.

5:02 – Greek guerrillas disrupt German supply lines to Africa, aiding the broader Allied war effort.

5:19 – Massive U.S. and Canadian aid efforts (650,000 tons) saved millions of Greek lives during the war.

5:49 – As Germans evacuate in 1944, British troops enter to help restore order .

6:09 – British bring Prime Minister Papandreou and aim to counter growing Soviet influence in the Balkans.

6:55 – Anti-royalist groups (EAM) protest British orders to disarm, fearing a royalist power grab.

7:17 – Police fire on unarmed protestors, nearly sparking a civil war.

7:49 – Resistance fighters seize most Athens police stations; British troops and tanks engage in urban combat.

8:15 – British forces, with air support, attack EAM/ELAS positions, leading to a tense and uneasy truce.

8:38 – British leadership faces domestic criticism; Churchill and Eden travel to Athens on Christmas Day to resolve the crisis.

9:26 – Archbishop Damaskinos is appointed regent to restore calm.

10:07 – Regency brings temporary peace, but political divisions remain deep, with monarchists and communists vying for control.

10:45 – Greece’s Communist Party, seen by British as Soviet-aligned, remains a powerful opposition force.

11:07 – About 35 centrist political parties emerge from the resistance, representing democratic and liberal opinions.

11:21 –Prisons overflow with political detainees, including communists and resistance members.

11:50 – British-backed governments cycle through, emphasizing order; police and military are reorganized.

13:11 – Officer schools train a new generation, viewed as loyal to the monarchy and Western-aligned government.

13:40 – Economic reconstruction is slow; the country remains dependent on UN relief efforts (UNRRA).

14:13 – Over 1.5 million tons of aid delivered.

14:33 – UNRA imports thousands of mules and modern equipment to aid agriculture and transportation.

15:11 – Local industries like textiles and tobacco begin slow recovery; water infrastructure projects provide jobs.

15:48 – Reviving agriculture is critical.

16:26 – Reconstruction will require $2 billion, extensive labor, materials, and modernization.

17:04 – Greeks remain resilient, striving for a democratic future with education and opportunity.

17:35 – Greeks seek to freely choose their government and maintain ties with Britain while building closer relations with the U.S.

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