Greek War for Independence:
How the Ottoman's empowered the Greek Revolution
"Ironically, the Turks themselves unwittingly helped the Greeks hasten the day when they would throw off their yoke. The Turks looked with disdain both upon trade and administration, and they turned these fields over to the Greeks. In Constantinople there developed a class of powerful Greeks administrators and merchants holding some of the most important posts in the Ottoman service. Known as the Phanariots because they lived in a district called Phinar (Lighthouse), near the residence of the Orthodox patriarch, some of these men grew so powerful that they were able to win concessions from the sultan that helped their fellow Greeks prepare for the struggle to come. One Phanariot, for example, got permission to establish Greek schools in the empire. The schools were important in developing leadership in the Greek communities.In addition, Greeks manned and commanded the trading vessels that brought Turkish goods to European ports. These sailors, responsive as all Greeks to new ideas, reacted to the ferment for change that swept Europe in the wake of the French Revolution and heightened the desire for Greek independence. When the struggle finally came, the sailors provided an instant navy for the Greek forces. Finally, the Turks made the mistake of putting Orthodox church leaders in charge of their communities. The Turks used the church as an instrument of through which to rule, and in so doing, they made priests political as well as spiritual leaders. Those Orthodox priests used their responsibility to keep Greek culture alive in every community and the desire for freedom strong in every generation."
From Hellas, A Portrait of Greece, by Nicholas Gage, pages 76-77. Published by Villard Books, 1987.
The Leadership of the Revolution in its aftermath
After the Greek War of Independence (1821–1830) ended in victory against the Ottoman Empire, certain key figures played crucial roles in shaping the modern Greek nation. These leaders contributed to the political, military, and diplomatic efforts that laid the foundations of the new state. Here are some of the most prominent figures:
Ioannis Kapodistrias (1776–1831):
Kapodistrias, a diplomat who previously served as the foreign minister of Russia, became the first head of state of independent Greece. He was appointed Governor of Greece in 1827 and worked to establish the institutions of the new state, including education, the legal system, and administration. He was instrumental in modernizing Greece but faced significant opposition from local warlords and factions. His assassination in 1831 marked a critical point in Greece's early statehood.
King Otto of Greece (1815–1867):
After Kapodistrias' assassination, Greece became a monarchy under King Otto, a Bavarian prince who was chosen by the Great Powers (Britain, France, and Russia) in 1832. Otto ruled from 1833 to 1862 and oversaw the consolidation of the Greek state, the development of Athens as the capital, and the creation of new institutions. However, his autocratic style of governance led to unrest and his eventual deposition.
Theodoros Kolokotronis (1770–1843):
A military leader and key figure in the Greek War of Independence, Kolokotronis became a national hero for his role in leading Greek forces against the Ottomans. After independence, he continued to exert influence in Greek politics and was a supporter of Ioannis Kapodistrias. Although his influence waned after Kapodistrias' assassination, Kolokotronis remained a symbol of the revolutionary spirit.
Alexandros Mavrokordatos (1791–1865):
Mavrokordatos was a political leader and diplomat who played a significant role in both the military and diplomatic efforts during the war. He served as Prime Minister of Greece multiple times and was a leading figure in shaping the early constitutional framework of the Greek state. Mavrokordatos advocated for a more Western-oriented Greece, favoring close ties with the Great Powers.
Andreas Miaoulis (1769–1835):
Miaoulis was a prominent naval commander during the Greek War of Independence, leading the Greek fleet in several key battles against the Ottomans. After the war, he became involved in the political struggles of the new state, aligning himself with factions opposing Kapodistrias. Miaoulis played an important role in shaping the maritime defense of the young Greek nation.
Greece's Golden Visa program
