The Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS) was established in Athens on February 16, 1942, as a direct response to the oppressive occupation of Greece by Axis powers, particularly the Nazis. Formed from the leftist resistance faction known as the National Liberation Front (EAM), ELAS quickly grew in prominence as a formidable guerrilla force. It aimed to resist the occupation and promote national liberation while rallying against other forces that posed threats to Greek sovereignty, including local collaborators and factions seeking to preserve the monarchy.

ELAS's formation came at a time when the civilian population was enduring severe hardships due to war-induced famines, brutal occupation policies, and economic collapse. Through its military actions, ELAS sought not only to combat enemy forces but also to instill hope among the Greek populace. Training local recruits, they engaged in sabotage, ambushes, and civil defense activities. Their reputation grew as they coordinated armed efforts and established localized governance in liberated areas, representing the potential for a new political landscape in post-war Greece.

This resistance was not just military; it also had a social and political dimension, as ELAS promoted policies aimed at agrarian reform and social justice during the occupation. The leadership of ELAS emphasized unity among various anti-fascist factions, enabling them to present a united front against their oppressors, even as ideological differences simmered below the surface. Their actions echoed throughout the country, inspiring further resistance efforts and marking a shift in how local populations viewed their roles in confronting foreign domination.

By the end of World War II, ELAS had become a significant player in the political landscape of Greece. However, their increasing influence also set the stage for post-war conflict, particularly between different ideological camps, leading to the Greek Civil War that followed shortly after the war's conclusion. The establishment of ELAS thus had immediate effects on the resistance efforts against Axis forces, while also laying the groundwork for future political struggles.