Greek war of independence (1821-1832) causes, impact and reason for its success

Questions to ponder

1. Account for the outbreak of the revolution in Greece in 1821.
2. Account for the success of Greek war of independence by 1832 or why were the Greeks able to establish an independent state by 1822?
3. Assess the impact of the 1821-1832 Greek War of independence on Europe up to 1875.

Approach

1. An Introduction each question by giving a brief description of Ottoman Empire
2. Identify and explain the factors or reasons for in the question
3. The give a generalized conclusion

Summary of the Greek war of independence (1821-1832)

The Greek War of Independence (1821-1832) was a successful struggle by Greek revolutionaries against the Ottoman Empire, resulting in the establishment of an independent Greek state. Here are some key points:

1. Origins: The war began with the activities of the Philiki Etaireia (Friendly Society), a secret organization founded in 1814 to promote Greek independence.
2. Initial Uprisings: The revolution started in February 1821 when Alexander Ypsilantis crossed the Prut River into Ottoman-held Moldavia. Sporadic revolts also broke out in the Peloponnese and other regions1.
3. Key Battles: Significant battles included the Battle of Navarino (1827), where the combined fleets of Britain, France, and Russia defeated the Ottoman navy, and the Siege of Missolonghi (1825-1826), which became a symbol of Greek resistance1.
4. International Support: The revolution received support from Western European powers, including Britain, France, and Russia, as well as from prominent figures like Lord Byron.
5. Treaty of Constantinople: The war concluded with the Treaty of Constantinople in 1832, which recognized Greece as an independent nation.

Causes of Greek war of independence (1821-1832)

The Greek War of Independence (1821-1832) was driven by several key factors:

1. Nationalism: A strong sense of Greek nationalism and identity, fostered by the Greek Orthodox Church and the survival of the Greek language, motivated the desire for independence.
2. Philiki Etaireia: The Friendly Society (Philiki Etaireia), founded in 1814, played a crucial role in organizing and promoting the revolution.
3. Western Influence: The impact of Western revolutionary ideas and the support of Western intellectuals and public opinion, who sympathized with the Greek cause, also played a significant role.
4. Economic Hardship: Economic difficulties and the desire for better economic opportunities fueled the revolutionary spirit among the Greek population.
5. Ottoman Oppression: The oppressive rule of the Ottoman Empire, including heavy taxation and limited political and religious freedoms, contributed to the growing discontent among Greeks.
6. The weakness of Turkish military. This caused the government’s failure to suppress the revolution.
7. Over taxation of the Greeks caused discontent and outbreak of the revolution. The over taxation and rude methods of its collection angered the Greeks causing them to fight for their independence.
8. Influence of the middle class. The middle class/merchants enriched themselves from the extensive trade opportunities from France to Russia. Unfortunately, they turned against the government and sponsored the revolution.
9. The support Greek nationalists in exile. The independence struggles of the Greeks were supported by Greek nationalists in France, Vienna and others.
10. Corruption and embezzlement of Turkish officials. This caused financial difficulties in the empire crippling its effective rule.

Reasons for success of Greek war of independence (1821-1832)

The success of the Greek War of Independence (1821-1832) can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Weakness of Ottoman Empire. The weakness of Ottoman’s military, political and economic spheres proved advantageous the Greek revolution.
2. International Support: Greece received significant support from Western European powers, including Britain, France, and Russia, which provided military and financial aid.
3. Philhellenism: The cultural and intellectual movement known as Philhellenism inspired sympathy and support for the Greek cause among European intellectuals and the public.
4. Strategic Leadership: Effective leadership by figures like Theodoros Kolokotronis, Alexander Ypsilantis, and Ioannis Kapodistrias played a crucial role in organizing and leading the revolution.
5. Battle of Navarino: The decisive naval battle in 1827, where the combined fleets of Britain, France, and Russia defeated the Ottoman navy, was a turning point that significantly weakened Ottoman control.
6. Guerrilla Warfare: The Greeks employed effective guerrilla tactics, taking advantage of their knowledge of the local terrain and engaging in hit-and-run attacks against Ottoman forces.
7. Nationalism: A strong sense of Greek nationalism and identity fueled the revolution, motivating the population to fight for independence.
8. Role of religion. Orthodox Christian religions constituted a unifying factor for Greeks and facilitated the success of the Greek war of independence.
9. Role of able leaders. The experienced politicians such as Capodistrious and experienced army offers such Prince Alexander Ypsilant provided able leadership of the revolution.
10. The massacre of Greek Christians by the Muslim extremists. This provided sympathy and support to Greeks by foreign powers.

Positive impact of Greek war of independence (1821-1832)

The Greek War of Independence had several positive impacts:

1. Establishment of an Independent State: The war resulted in the establishment of an independent Greek state, recognized by the Treaty of Constantinople in 1832.
2. Cultural Revival: The struggle for independence sparked a cultural revival, promoting Greek language, literature, and arts, and fostering a strong sense of national identity.
3. Inspiration for Other Movements: The success of the Greek War of Independence inspired other nationalist movements in Europe and the Ottoman Empire, contributing to the broader wave of 19th-century revolutions.
4. Economic Reconstruction: Post-independence, Greece embarked on economic reconstruction and modernization, laying the foundation for future development.
5. International Support: The war highlighted the importance of international support and solidarity, as European powers played a crucial role in the success of the Greek cause.

Negative impacts of Greek war of independence (1821-1832)

The Greek War of Independence also had some negative impacts:

1. Humanitarian Crisis: The war caused significant loss of life and widespread destruction, leading to a humanitarian crisis with many casualties and displaced persons.
2. Economic Disruption: The conflict disrupted local economies, destroyed infrastructure, and led to economic hardship for many Greek civilians.
3. Political Instability: The struggle for independence was marked by internal conflicts and power struggles among Greek factions, leading to political instability in the newly established state.
4. Foreign Influence: Although the war resulted in independence, Greece remained under the influence of the Great Powers (Britain, France, and Russia), who played a significant role in its political affairs and selected its first king, King Otto.
5. Intensified religious conflicts between Christians and Muslims; following the success of Greeks that were mostly Christians.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science.