Adding Politics to Your WWII Game

Greece and Turkey

by John Gilmer

Greece

late '38: 6
'39: 6
'40: 8
'41+: conquered

Greek territory (around Thessalonika particularly) was a scene of fighting in World War I, but Greece avoided being a participant in the war. Though somewhat inclined toward the allies, and having a guarantee by Britain, the Greeks would prefer to stay neutral. They entered the war only because of the Italian attack from Albania, and even so were reluctant in accepting British aid, which happened only in 1941 with the looming threat of German and Bulgarian entry into their war.

The Greeks have reason to hate the Turks, but having lost their war in Asia Minor in the 20's, Greece is not eager to fight them again. Thus, Greece can be treated as a passive neutral, even one reluctant to accept aid.

Turkey

late '38: 6
'39: 6
'40: 5
'41: 4
'42: 6

While the Turks lost in World War I, this is not the same Turkey. After ejecting the Greeks from Asia Minor and decimating the Armenians, the Turkey of World War II seems not to have been interested in more warfare. Even with the Soviet Union seemingly near collapse, the Turks were not drawn into possibly profiting from entry against that traditional foe.

Turkey did accept a guarantee from the British, and would likely fight if invaded or attacked by either side. A neutral Turkey was useful to Germany as a source of chromium, and a block against direct supply of the USSR by the allies. It seems reasonable to Treat Turkey as a passive neutral.

Adding Politics to Your WWII Game A Model

Back to Table of Contents -- Against the Odds vol. 1 no. 2
Back to Against the Odds List of Issues
Back to MagWeb Magazine List
© Copyright 2003 by LPS.
This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web.
Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com
* Buy this back issue or subscribe to Against the Odds direct from LPS.