The Greek War of Independence

Abstract

This chapter explores the conditions leading to the emergence of Greek nationalism. Emphasis is given to the change of the political conditions in the Ottoman Empire and in Europe after the seventeenth century, leading to power shifts among Christian Orthodox, to the emergence of Greek diaspora communities in non-Ottoman Europe as well as of an economically robust new entrepreneurial class. Both the Greek diaspora and the new entrepreneurial class supported the Greek education and contributed to the advancement of a “Hellenic self-consciousness” among many Christian Orthodox in the Ottoman Empire and abroad who sought political emancipation from the Ottoman Empire. The chapter analyzes the connection between the rise of Greek nationalism and outbreak of the Greek War of Independence (1821–1832). It discusses the beginning, the evolution, the international dimension, shifting political and military loyalties by the fighting sides and the outcome of the war. The chapter also examines atrocities committed by the Ottomans against the rebels as well as by Greek insurgents against Muslims and Jews living in the rebellious areas. Finally, the chapter explores the close relationship between Eastern Orthodox Christianity and Greek nationalism, as well as the role of Christian Orthodoxy as a mobilizing factor against the Ottomans among the Christian Orthodox during the war. The war paved the way for Orthodox Christianity to become the dominant religion, legally, of the newly established Kingdom of Hellas in 1832, which in itself reset the living conditions for Orthodox and non-Orthodox Christians, leading many Muslims and Jews to embrace Orthodox Christianity.