In the period 1912-22 the Greek state more than doubled its territory. This development was the materialization of the desires expressed through the Great Idea throughout the nineteenth century

despite the limited extent of the annexed territories and the dramatic outcome of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, which signalled the end of the Greek presence in the East.

In addition, the expansion of Greek territory had a serious impact on economic life and the socio-political structures of the country. Opportunities for the development of the internal market increased considerably. The population almost tripled, taking of course into account the Asia Minor refugees after 1922. The issue of large estates became even more urgent, given that in northern Greece this type of property was prevalent. It is no coincidence that the agricultural reforms were inaugurated in 1917 by the government of Thessaloniki. The large estates of Macedonia were particularly fertile and could, as was to prove later, contribute to the productive development of the country. At the same time, cities such as Kavala and Thessaloniki, commercial centres with a long tradition and ready to develop in the secondary sector as well (a criteria until recently applying only to Athens), were also annexed to the Greek state.