Greek War of Independence

Greek War of Independence (1821–32) The revolt by Greek subjects of the OTTOMAN EMPIRE against Turkish domination. It had its origins in the nationalistic ideas of the Hetairia Philike (‘Society of Friends’), who chose Alexander Ypsilanti, a Russian general, and son of the ruler of Wallachia, to lead the revolt. Links were established with Romanian peasants, Serb rebels, and Ali Pasha, the warlord of western Greece. Ypsilanti crossed into Turkish territory in March 1821, but only after his defeat in June did the Greeks rebel. Although atrocities took place on both sides, the revolt gained the popular support of the Christian world and many foreign volunteers (of whom Lord Byron, who went out in 1823, was the most celebrated) joined the Greek forces. By the end of 1821 the Greeks had achieved striking successes on land and sea and in January 1822 an assembly met to declare Greece independent. Four years later, however, Mehemet Ali of Egypt reconquered the Peloponnese and threatened to restore Turkish control. At the Treaty of London in 1827, Britain and Russia offered to mediate and secure an autonomous Greek state. When the Turks refused, Britain, Russia, and France sent a combined fleet which destroyed the Egyptian fleet at Navarino (1827). The following year the Russian army seized Adrianople and threatened Constantinople. The Turks agreed to make peace (1829), and the Conference of London (1832) confirmed Greek independence. The following year a Bavarian prince, Otto I, was crowned King of GREECE.