Greek Geography

Words: 434
Pages: 2

BACKGROUND PAPER

ON

GREECE

1. This background paper will cover Greece’s history, geography, and how these two topics are related to the interest of the United States (US).

2. Perhaps the most important event in Greece’s modern history is their revolution for freedom from the Ottoman Empire starting in 1821. The hard fought Greek War of Independence granted them their independence in 1832.1 Greece was invaded during World War II, continued the fight because of a protracted civil war, and joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1952. In 1967 a military group took control and established a monarchy and in 1974 democratic elections and referendums abolished this monarchy to create a parliamentary republic.2 Just within the last few decades Greece has undergone important events that have shaped its ideals, goals, or beliefs.
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Greece is in a very strategic position in the world as it is at the bottom of Europe, near the top of Africa, and near the start of the Middle-East. It is also surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.3 Greece’s geostrategic position makes it an important ally in engagement and dialogue with the Muslim world. It is also the primary entry point into the area for migrants from the Middle East, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. Greece is also situated in the southern flank of NATO.4 Being in the middle of everything, connected to the oceans, and connected to the land gives Greece and its allies more opportunities and advantages, advantages related to military, economics, society, and many others, that many other countries do not and will not