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John Metaxas
John Metaxas , 1871-1941, Greek general and statesman. A career soldier, he served in the Greco-Turkish War of 1897 and in the Balkan Wars of 1912-13, in which he was assistant chief of staff. He was later chief of staff, but was exiled (1917), along with most other prominent figures of Constantine I's government, as pro-German when Greece joined the Allies in World War I. He returned in 1920 and became prominent as a royalist politician during the Republic of 1924-35. After the monarchy had been reestablished in Greece, Metaxas became premier in Apr., 1936. With the support of King George II, Metaxas dissolved parliament on Aug. 4, 1936, and established a dictatorship that increasingly took on many Fascist trappings. Nevertheless, the fundamental ideology remained conservative, and Metaxas was clearly aware that the greatest threat to Greece came from the Fascist powers. He was thus prepared to resist Mussolini's attach on Greece (Oct. 28, 1940) and, prior to his death three months later, organized the successful Greek operations against Italy in Albania. His diaries are available in Greek. |
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"John Metaxas." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "John Metaxas." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 12, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Metaxas.html "John Metaxas." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Metaxas.html |
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Metaxas, Ioannis
Metaxas, Ioannis (b. 12 Apr. 1871, d. 29 Jan. 1941). Greek dictator 1936–41 Born on the island of Ithaca, he was commissioned into the Greek army in 1870. As army Chief of Staff since 1913, he supported the King's policy of neutrality in World War I, and was exiled when Greece did enter the war in 1915. He returned in 1920 and, after leading an unsuccessful coup, was exiled again 1923–4. Despite his monarchist leanings, he recognized the Greek Republic in 1924 and became active in politics, holding several ministerial posts from 1928. In April 1936, he became Prime Minister upon the restoration of the monarchy, and on 4 August 1936 was given dictatorial powers. He was appointed head of the government for life in 1938. Corruption was reduced and social services developed, while the armed services were made more efficient. In 1940 he led the Greek victory against the Italian invaders in World War II. He died just before the German occupation of Greece.
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JAN PALMOWSKI. "Metaxas, Ioannis." A Dictionary of Contemporary World History. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JAN PALMOWSKI. "Metaxas, Ioannis." A Dictionary of Contemporary World History. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (February 12, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O46-MetaxasIoannis.html JAN PALMOWSKI. "Metaxas, Ioannis." A Dictionary of Contemporary World History. 2004. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O46-MetaxasIoannis.html |
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Metaxas, Ioannis
Metaxas, Ioannis (1871–1941) Greek general and statesman. He became chief of staff in the Greek army, but was exiled (1917) when Greece joined the Allies in World War I. He returned (1920), and, after leading a coup, was exiled again (1923–24). A strong monarchist, he held several ministerial posts from 1928 to 1936. With royal approval he dissolved Parliament and became dictator of Greece (1936–41). Under him a united country successfully repelled an Italian invasion in 1940, but in 1941 Hitler's forces intervened and occupied Greece.
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Cite this article
"Metaxas, Ioannis." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Metaxas, Ioannis." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (February 12, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-MetaxasIoannis.html "Metaxas, Ioannis." A Dictionary of World History. 2000. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-MetaxasIoannis.html |
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