The Treaty of London (1832)

On May 7, 1832, the Treaty of London was signed by the three Great Powers of the time: the United Kingdom, France, and Russia. This pivotal agreement established Greece as a fully independent and sovereign kingdom, concluding a critical chapter in the Greek War of Independence, which began in 1821.

Historical Context

The Greek War of Independence was a protracted and bloody struggle against the Ottoman Empire, during which Greek forces sought to free themselves from centuries of Ottoman rule. By the early 1830s, after significant intervention from European powers, especially following the decisive Battle of Navarino in 1827, the situation reached a critical juncture where diplomatic solutions were sought to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Key Provisions of the Treaty

• Recognition of Sovereignty: The treaty recognized Greece as an independent and sovereign state, affirming its separation from the Ottoman Empire.
• Monarchical Establishment: It was agreed that Greece would be established as a monarchy. Prince Otto of Bavaria, the second son of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, was chosen to become the first King of Greece.
• Territorial Delimitation: The treaty outlined specific territorial boundaries for the new kingdom, although these were subject to further negotiations and adjustments in subsequent years.

Significance

The Treaty of London was a landmark in the history of Modern Greece, marking the official recognition of its independence by major European powers. It also represented a shift in the regional balance of power, as Great Britain, France, and Russia agreed to supports a fledgling Greek state.

Aftermath

Following the treaty, Prince Otto arrived in Greece to assume the throne, marking the beginning of the Bavarian Regency. The Kingdom of Greece faced numerous challenges, including internal political strife and ongoing negotiations over its boundaries, but the treaty served as the foundational document for Greece’s modern resurgence as a nation-state.

The Treaty of London set a precedent for international intervention in support of nationalist movements, illustrating the complex interplay between national aspirations and great power politics in the 19th century.