Greek Politics during World War I, World War II and the Consequences of the Holocaust on Thessaloniki, The Great Fire of 1917

What were the two opposing factions in the National Schism?

The Royalists, who supported King Constantine I’s neutrality, and the Venizelists, who backed Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos and the Entente.

Why did King Constantine I favor neutrality?

He had personal and political ties to Germany, as he was married to the German Kaiser’s sister and believed neutrality was in Greece’s best interest.

How did the Entente powers pressure Greece to join the war?

They occupied Thessaloniki, blockaded Greek ports, and supported Venizelos’ provisional government.

What was the Macedonian Front, and how was Thessaloniki involved?

A major WWI battlefront where Entente forces launched operations against the Central Powers, using Thessaloniki as a military base.

What was the significance of Greece’s official entry into WWI in 1917?

Greece joined the Entente, leading to victories in the Macedonian front and strengthening Venizelos’ political position.

What percentage of Thessaloniki was destroyed by the fire?

About 32% of the city was burned, including most of the historic and commercial center.

How did the fire impact Thessaloniki’s religious communities?

The Jewish community suffered the most, as Jewish neighborhoods, synagogues, and businesses were destroyed, leading many to emigrate.

How did the urban plan after the fire modernize Thessaloniki?

The new plan introduced wide boulevards, public squares, and zoning laws to prevent future large-scale fires.

What was the economic impact of the fire?

Thousands of businesses were lost, disrupting trade and commerce, and many residents were left impoverished.

How did the Greek government handle property redistribution after the fire?

Many Jewish property owners lost their land due to new zoning laws and bureaucratic complications, leading to a shift in the city's demographics.

How did the Nazi occupation affect daily life in Thessaloniki?

The Nazis imposed curfews, confiscated property, and subjected the population to food shortages and forced labor.

What were the ghettos in Thessaloniki, and what purpose did they serve?

The Nazis forced Jews into ghettos before deporting them to Auschwitz, where most were exterminated.

What role did collaboration and resistance play in Thessaloniki during WWII?

Some Greeks collaborated with the Nazis, while others joined resistance groups like Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS) to fight against the occupation.

What happened to Thessaloniki’s Jewish cemetery during and after the war?

The Nazis and local authorities destroyed the historic Jewish cemetery, and after the war, parts of it were used for the construction of Aristotle University.

What efforts have been made to remember the Holocaust in Thessaloniki?

The city has erected memorials, and in recent years, efforts have been made to acknowledge the loss of its Jewish heritage through education and commemorations.