The Greek War of Independence

The successful revolt of Greeks against Ottoman rule, which created the modern Greek state.

Background

Greek communities had lived under Ottoman rule for centuries, with a strong tradition of local self-government, trade and an educated diaspora. Nationalist ideas spread through societies such as the Filiki Eteria, founded in 1814 to prepare an uprising.

Course of events

The revolt began in 1821 in the Danubian principalities and the Peloponnese. The war was marked by atrocities on both sides and by a growing wave of foreign sympathy, including volunteers such as Lord Byron, who died at Missolonghi in 1824. In 1827 a British, French and Russian fleet destroyed the Ottoman and Egyptian fleet at Navarino.

Legacy

Greece was recognised as independent in 1830 and became a kingdom under Otto in 1832. The war was an early example of nationalist revolt supported by the major powers and influenced later movements in the Balkans.