The War of Greek Independence was a conflict that occurred between 1821 and 1830, through which Greece managed to liberate itself from the domination of the Ottoman Empire. The war signaled the revival of Greece as an independent state after almost four centuries under Ottoman rule.
The war commenced on March 25, 1821, with a rebellion led by Greek nationalists who sought to establish a sovereign Greek state. The Greeks, who were inspired by the ideals of the Enlightenment and the French and American revolutions, fought against the repressive and oppressive policies of the Ottoman Empire.
The conflict took place on Greek soil, primarily in the Peloponnese, Epirus, Sterea Ellada, and the Aegean islands. It was characterized by numerous battles, sieges, and guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the Greek fighters. The war attracted international attention due to the sympathy garnered by the Greeks within Europe, leading to financial and military support from various nations.
Ultimately, the Greek rebellion succeeded as a result of the combined efforts of Greek fighters, naval successes, political maneuvering, and international pressure, notably from Britain, France, and Russia. In 1830, the Treaty of Constantinople recognized Greece as an independent nation, ending the war.
The War of Greek Independence had significant historical and cultural ramifications, as it marked the rebirth of Greece as a sovereign nation-state, while also inspiring nationalist movements in other regions under Ottoman rule. It symbolized the triumph of Greek nationalism and the pursuit of self-determination, promoting the spread of ideas of liberty and freedom throughout Europe and beyond.
