Economic, social and political features of interwar Greece
Part of : Αρχείον οικονομικής ιστορίας ; Vol.XX, No.1, 2008, pages 99-135
Issue:
Pages:
99-135
Author:
Abstract:
The interwar period was most important for the future of the Greek state, since during that period the foundation for a vigorous and flexible economy based on a healthy industry should have been laid. However, despite the enormous amount of capital entering the country up to 1932, no evident change in the nature character of the economy was achieved, since the Greeks themselves did not attempt to improve their economic activity. Industry did not cast off its characteristic torpor; it was developed only nominally and survived only thanks to extremely high duty tariffs. The 1929 economic crisis exacerbatedthe already bad situation, making evident how inadequate the politicians were to get the country out of its stagnancy and guide it on a course of development. In that context, when politicians’ lack of vision and inspiration were most apparent, the Greek people had to face a constantly increasing cost of living, receiving meagre wages and burdened with ever-increasing taxes. At the same time, the country’s leadership, living in the capital, was indifferent to encouraging the growth of the remainder of the country.
Subject:
Subject (LC):
Keywords:
Interwar Greece, economic history, social history
Notes:
JEL classification: N14, N34, N930
