How Greek Nazi Collaborators Justified Betraying their Own People
The decision made by Greek collaborators during the occupation period to side with Nazi Germany was not an easy one. However, these individuals did not face the immediate repercussions of their actions. The post-war state, a predominantly nationalistic and anticommunist government, integrated them into the state machinery. This integration served to quell any immediate backlash and to assimilate these collaborators into the broader national narrative.
The Role of Nationalism and Anticommunism
In a broader context, the story of Greek collaborators resembles that of their counterparts in other occupied nations. In these scenarios, collaborators often justified their actions by appealing to a sense of duty and the fear of a potential "communist take over." These collaborators believed that their collaboration would help to protect Greek society from what they perceived as a greater evil. This mentality was prevalent across the occupied nations as a common defense mechanism.
The Catalyst for Betrayal
The immediate trigger for the Greek collaborators' decision to align with the Nazis was the distinct and severe threat posed by communist forces. During the German occupation, the Greek Communist Party, known as the National Liberation Front (EAM), played a significant role in the resistance movement. The fear of a communist takeover led many collaborators to believe that by supporting the Nazis, they could prevent the establishment of a communist-led government post-war.
The Acceptance by the Post-War State
Upon the conclusion of the Second World War, the post-war state in Greece did not question the actions of its collaborators. Instead, it embraced them, integrating these individuals into the state administration and the broader ideological construct of the nation. This approach can be seen as a political maneuver to not only legitimize the actions of these collaborators but also to silence any potential dissenting voices that might arise from within the population.
Key to this acceptance was the overarching narrative of the post-war state, which emphasized national unity and the combating of communism. By portraying itself as the true defender of Greek society against external and internal threats, the post-war state effectively sidelined any criticism of the collaborators. The nation's focus on uniting against the communist threat overshadowed the controversial actions of these individuals.
Conclusion
The justification for the actions of Greek Nazi collaborators lies in the intricate web of nationalism, duty, and fear of political change. While their decisions were born out of fear and ideology, the post-war state's acceptance and integration of these collaborators into its system underscored the paradoxical nature of post-war politics. The lingering legacy of this period continues to be a subject of intense scholarly and public debate in Greece, serving as a reminder of the complex and often morally ambiguous nature of historical events.