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 the end of the century.

Folk Art: Othon Leaving

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)