London Protocol (1828) facts for kids
The London Protocol of 16 November 1828 was an agreement between three big European countries: Great Britain, France, and Russia. It decided that Greece would become a country that could rule itself, but it would still have to pay tribute (like a tax) to the Ottoman Empire. This agreement was a big step after the Greek War of Independence.
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Why the London Protocol Was Important
The Greek War of Independence started in 1821. The Greek people fought to be free from the Ottoman Empire. After a few years, big countries like Great Britain, France, and Russia got involved. They signed the Treaty of London in 1827. This led to the Battle of Navarino in 1827, where the navies of these three countries helped the Greeks. Because of these events, it became clear that a new Greek state would be formed in southern Greece.
Greece Gets a Leader
In 1827, the Greek people chose Ioannis Kapodistrias to lead their new nation. He arrived in Greece in January 1828. Kapodistrias worked hard to build the foundations of a modern country. He also talked with the Great Powers about how big the new Greek state would be and how it would be governed. These discussions happened especially during the Poros Conference in September 1828.
What the Protocol Decided
The ambassadors at the Poros Conference suggested that the new Greek state should have a large territory. However, in November 1828, the Great Powers signed the first London Protocol. They did not follow all the ambassadors' suggestions. This protocol created a Greek state that could rule itself but still had to pay tribute to the Ottoman Sultan.
Limited Territory for Greece
The first London Protocol limited Greece to the Peloponnese (also called Morea) and the Cyclades islands. This meant that areas like Central Greece, Crete, and other islands were left out. Many of these places had fought in the Greek uprising or were already under Greek control.
Changes to the Protocol
The first London Protocol was later changed on 22 March 1829. This new agreement was called the second London Protocol. It mostly accepted the recommendations that were made at the Poros Conference. This meant Greece would get more land than first planned.
