Modern Greek History
D. Tsokos Filiki Etaireia
Before the Revolution
• The Greek war of independence (18211830) was motivated by the desire for selfdetermination, 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)