Modern Greek History

D. Tsokos Filiki Etaireia

 Before the Revolution
• The Greek war of independence (1821-1830)
was motivated by the desire for self-
determination, free thought, education, and
joining the civilized nations of Europe.
• The movement was an organized effort, with
certain objectives
• Western influences are largely responsible,
but also Greek intellectual activity.
 The Beginning of the War
Lipparini: Revolution Vryzakis: Oath
 War of Independence
• 1821 begins. The Greeks rapidly prevail in the
Peloponnese, which had a very small Muslim
population.
• The Sultan retaliates with mindless slaughter of
civilian populations in defenseless islands (Chios,
Psara), which capture Western Imagination
• The Great Powers of the time, although
instinctively against revolts, change their policy
and become sympathetic to the Greek Cause
Delacroix: The Slaughter of Chios
 Egyptian Deal
• Egyptian Intervention
(with a strong navy),
nearly extinguishes the
revolution.
• However, pro-Hellenic
sentiment grows stronger
in western Europe, and
Byron’s death in the city
functions as a strong
propaganda in favor of the
revolutionaries
Delacroix: Liberty on the Ruins of
Messolongi
Carneray: The destruction of the Egyptian Fleet at the bay of
Navarino, by the British, French and Russian Fleet (1826)
 The Independent Greek State
• The Sultan was forced to acknowledge the
creation of a small Greek State.
• King Othon, a German prince, brings with
him a Bavarian ensemble, which plays an
important role in the organization of the new
state according to Western models.
• 1834: The Bavarians move the capital to
Athens.
James Skene: Othonic Athens
 Othonic Athens
• Athens under Othon
remains a small town, but
quickly establishes itself
as the center of Hellenism.
Much of the literature still
comes from the Ionian
Islands.
• For the next 50 years,
Athens will re-establish
the bonds with its past.
C. Perlberg Athens
 Georgian Athens
• 1862 Othon is forced
to leave. He is
succeeded by George I
(until 1913).
• In this period the city
becomes a center for
literature and arts, and
becomes prosperous by
Folk Art: Othon Leaving the end of the century.
 The Union with Crete
• The struggle of Crete
for independence from
Ottoman rule has been
well recorded in
literature
(Kazantzakis, Kapetan
Michalis).
• 1897 Autonomy
• 1909 Union
 The Balkan wars (1912-13)
• The Balkan nations
revolt and drive the
Turks out of Europe.
• The Greeks take
advantage and acquire
Macedonia and Thrace.
The size of the country
doubles, more or less
to its present borders.
 The 1st World War
• WW1: Greece fights
side by side with
victorious allies.
• But it gains nothing,
and loses a lot.
• Catastrophe in Asia
Minor.
• Myrivilis: Life in the
Tomb.
 Midwar Athens
• Athens in the 1930’s
catches up with world
depression.
• The wounds of the
Catastrophe in Asia
Minor and the world
economic crisis create a
depressed mood.
• The suicide of Karyotakis

Kostas Karyotakis
 WW2
• 1940 Italian Invasion of
Greece is resisted
successfully.
• 1941: Hitler comes to
the aid of Musolini, and
the Germans occupy
Greece until 1944.
• Greece remains firmly
pro-Western.
 Civil War
• As the invading forces
leave, the Greeks are
divided between those
who seek to remain in the
west, and those who want
to join the Eastern Block.
• British/American
intervention ensures that
Greece will remain
Western.
 1950’s and 60’s
• Greece like most of Europe is recovering from the
devastation of WW2. In this case also from the evils of
the civil war.
• Simultaneously, quietly but steadily a social revolution
takes place which was going to change the country for
ever.
• The role of the Church lessens, the families become
small, women and minority groups acquire guaranteed
rights, education and healthcare become universal.
 The junta: 1967-1974
• In a paranoid cold war
senario, a tyrannical
regime is established.
• Freedoms of speech,
thought, and expression
are expressly forbidden
• Torture and exile are
part of the regime’s
tactics. Polytechneio: The
Technical University of
Athens: A symbol
 The invasion of Cyprus
• The Turkish army
invaded Cyprus in
1974, and effectively
(but illegally) divided
the island.
• The Greeks still
consider the US
largely responsible for
the tragedy of Cyprus
 The politics of Modern Greece
• Two main parties and
many smaller ones.
• The socialist party has
dominated Greek
politics since 1981.
• Liberalization
• Egalitarianism
• Fervent adherence to
European Ideal
 The New Europe
• 1960: Treaty of Rome
creates Common
Market
• 1973: EEC
• 1992: Treaty of
Maastricht creates the
European Union (EU)
• 2002: Monetary Union
in 12 countries (EURO)