The withdrawal of German troops from Athens marked the end of a harsh and oppressive period for Greece under Axis occupation, which had begun in April 1941. The occupation subjected the Greek populace to severe economic reprisals and brutal repression. After years of resistance, both armed and civil, the cooperation among various Greek resistance groups culminated in a unified push to expel the occupying armies. The role of the Allies was also crucial, as their military strategies had systematically weakened Axis powers across Europe, including Greece.

On October 12, Greek partisans joined forces with Allied troops as they entered Athens, greeted by large demonstrations of support from the local citizens. Streets were filled with celebrations, as people waved flags and sang patriotic songs. It was a moment of liberation, yet it also laid bare the divisions among various resistance factions, which would later lead to tensions during the post-war period. The end of occupation was not an end to strife for Greece, as political factions began vying for control in the power vacuum left by the departing Axis forces.

In the aftermath, Greece grappled with reconstruction and political instability as it transitioned from occupation to autonomy. The events also spurred movements across Europe, inspiring nations similarly oppressed to seek their liberation. The ending of the Axis occupation in Athens thus not only signifies a turning point for Greece but also resonates with the ongoing struggles for freedom and self-determination in occupied territories across Europe.