Nazi Germany, which occupied Greece from 1941-44, forced Athens to extend it loans and give up gold reserves.

NPR: Greece, Germany Bicker Over War Reparations Issue

In mid-2011, Greek hopes for compensation were dealt a blow when the European Court of Human Rights dismissed a lawsuit brought by four Greeks who, as children, had survived one of the worst single atrocities in occupied Greece, the killing of 218 people in the village of Distomo.

NPR: Greece, Germany Bicker Over War Reparations Issue

But seeing the vast numbers on the street, the government ministries occupied, the violence, it has to be asked whether Greece can impose these new austerity measures.

BBC: Athens erupts over austerity cuts