Modern Greek History

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.

Christian v. Muslim War

Zographos: God’s Decision to Liberate Greece

The Role of Religion

• In the Ottoman empire the distinction between Muslims and Christians was crucial for the distribution of power.

• Christians were in an inferior position and had very limited rights.

• This is why the divide along religious lines proved decisive not only for the war, but also for the role of the Church in the new state.

The Beginning of the WarLipparini: 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

The Siege of Messologi

Vryzakis: Byron’s arrival in Messologi

Vryzakis: The heroic Exodos (exit)

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

1896: The first Olympic Games: A boost to Greek Pride

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)

The 2004 Olympics: A fresh start?