Nineteenth-century America through the Eyes of John Gennadius

Abstract

<p>The aim of this article is to unfold and analyze the view of America held by<br />John Gennadius [Ioannis Gennadios], one of the most important diplomats of nineteenthcentury<br />Greece. Having spent most of his life in England as a member of the Greek legation,<br />which he served for more than 20 years, Gennadius was influenced by the ongoing British<br />discussion of the “American miracle”. His perception was, however, fostered during two<br />visits to America, a professional one (1888) and a private one (1893-1894). He was involved<br />in American political life as the official negotiator of the Greek government, but also<br />enjoyed the culture, witnessed the wealth and the galloping development and made many<br />acquaintances. All of this made an impression on him. He commented on the importance<br />of British influence on American civilization, acknowledged the material and intellectual<br />progress of its people and foresaw the potential of its thriving economy in world politics.</p>