Kingdom of Greece
The Kingdom of Greece was established in 1832 following the Greek War of Independence (1821-1830) against the Ottoman Empire. This new nation emerged after centuries of Ottoman rule, with the support of the Great Powers of Europe, namely United Kingdom, France, and Russia, who were instrumental in securing Greek independence.
Establishment
- 1832: The London Protocol of 1832 formally established the Kingdom of Greece under the rule of the Bavarian prince, Otto of Wittelsbach, who became King Otto of Greece.
- The kingdom was initially a constitutional monarchy, but Otto's rule was absolute until a coup in 1843 forced him to accept a constitution.
Key Events and Rulers
- King Otto: His reign was marked by a struggle for control between Greek nationalists and the Bavarian administration. In 1862, Otto was deposed following a popular revolt, and the Great Powers selected a new monarch.
- King George I: From the House of Glücksburg, he took the throne in 1863. His reign saw significant modernization, economic growth, and the expansion of Greek territory. Greece acquired the Ionian Islands in 1864 and Thessaly and parts of Epirus in 1881.
- Thessalo-Turkish War (1897): A disastrous conflict with the Ottoman Empire, which led to international intervention to prevent the dissolution of the Kingdom.
- King Constantine I: His rule was tumultuous due to World War I, where he was pressured by both the Entente and the Central Powers. His neutrality policy was unpopular, leading to his temporary exile in 1917.
World War I and Aftermath
End of the Kingdom
- 1924: Following the defeat in the Greco-Turkish War and political instability, Greece was proclaimed a republic.
- 1935: The monarchy was restored, but the kingdom faced further political turmoil, including a dictatorship under General Ioannis Metaxas.
- 1941-1944: During World War II, Greece was occupied by Axis powers. After liberation, the monarchy was again in question due to the collaboration of some Greek officials with the Axis.
- 1946: A plebiscite confirmed the return of King George II, but the country soon entered into a Greek Civil War.
- 1967-1974: A military junta took power, and the monarchy was abolished in 1973. In 1974, after the junta's fall, a referendum confirmed the abolition of the monarchy, ending the Kingdom of Greece.
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