Greek Democracy

First Olympic Games

Mar 6, 776

The first Olympic Game was held in Olympia Greece in 776 B.C. All of the citizens of Greece came together to participate in the Olympic Games and it didn't matter if they were nobles, peasants, men or women. Women were also allowed to compete alongside the men. This demonstrated them moving towards a democracy as everybody came together for an event and stood on equal grounds.

Greek War of Independence

May 6, 1832

The Greek War of Independence, also known as the Geek Revolution, took place during 1821-1832. It was a battle for Greece to gain their independence from the Ottoman Empire, and they succeeded. They were finally recognized as a independent country on this date, although March 25 is the national day. Therefore, throught this battle Greece was their own country and had control over their style of leadership instead of following an autocratic leadership.

Syntagma Square

Sep 3, 1843

Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, was created after a military uprising. The square was built based off of the Constitution that King Otto was forced to grant. The square is very significant as it represents the Constitution of Greece which, although adjusted many times, is still used today. Therefore it led to their democracy.

Abolition Of The Monarchy

Mar 25, 1924

After a referendum was held in Greece, it was anonymously decided to abolish the monarchy and King Constantine I was forced to abdicate. Although the monarchy did get abolished and restored many times before it was permanently abolished, this referendum allowed the citizens of Greece to go one step closer to becoming democratic as the idea of getting rid of the monarchy was passed.

Women Gain The Right To Vote

Jan 1, 1952

Women all throughout Greece were finally granted the right to vote. Thus, instead of only males who were at least 35, white, and born in Greece, women were also able to vote. This made Greece a step closer to democracy as both the males and females were now able to express themselves freely, and they were on par.

New Constitution

Mar 5, 1952

A new constitution was passed stating that Greece was now a parliamentary democracy with a monarch as the head of state. This allowed the citizens of Greece to have basic human rights and it also banned the Communist Party of Greece. Therefore, the citizens now have more rights and freedoms.

Georgios Papadopoulos's Fall

Aug 8, 1973

Georgios Papadopoulos was a colonel of artillery and was in charge of military Junta, a dictatorship, until he fell from power and was overthrown. This ended the dictatorship that took place during his time in power, allowing them to move one step closer to democracy because they were now free from his autocracy and were able to develop into a democracy.

Third Hellenic Republic

Dec 8, 1974

After another referendum Greece was finally able to permanantly abolish the monarchy and form a republic. This permanantly got rid of the military Junta who were facading a referendum in order to take control of the democratization. Thus, with this event Greece was finally able to become officially democratic.

New Family Law

Mar 16, 1983

The New Family Law was passed stating that both spouses should make decisions about family matters and that there should be a mutual responsibility in marriage and family households. This was significant in forming their democracy as both men and women became equal with each other in society and in a democracy there are equality rights.

Cleisthenes Comes to Power

Mar 2, 2022

Cleisthenes, a noble who was also known as the "father of Athenian democracy", came to power during 508 B.C. He created a constitution in Athens that was moving towards the democratic ideas. This allowed Greece society to get an understanding of democratic leadership and started their movement to democracy.