London Protocol (1829) facts for kids
The London Protocol of March 22, 1829, was an important agreement between three powerful countries: Britain, France, and Russia. This agreement changed an earlier plan about creating a new Greek state. It meant Greece would be able to govern itself, but it would still have to pay money to the Ottoman Empire and accept the Sultan as its ruler.
Contents
Why Greece Needed a New Plan
The Greek War of Independence started in 1821. The Greek people were fighting for freedom from the Ottoman Empire. By 1827, it was clear that Greece would become its own country. This was partly because the powerful countries (Britain, France, and Russia) got involved. They even helped in a big sea battle called the Battle of Navarino in 1827.
Greece Starts to Form
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 a modern country. He also talked with the Great Powers about how big Greece should be and what kind of government it would have. These talks happened during the Poros Conference in September 1828.
The First London Protocol
In November 1828, the Great Powers made their first agreement, called the first London Protocol. This plan said Greece would be a self-governing state, but it would only include the Peloponnese (also called Morea) and the Cyclades islands.
What the 1829 Protocol Decided
On March 22, 1829, the British Foreign Minister, George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen, and representatives from France and Russia signed the second London Protocol. This new agreement mostly followed the ideas from the Poros Conference.
Key Decisions for Greece
- Greece would become a separate country.
- It would be completely self-governing.
- A Christian prince, chosen by the Great Powers, would rule Greece.
- Greece would still recognize the Ottoman Sultan as its ruler.
- Greece would pay an annual tribute of 1.5 million Turkish piastres to the Ottoman Empire.
New Borders for Greece
The new borders for Greece would stretch from the Gulf of Arta in the west to the Pagasetic Gulf in the east. This meant Greece would include:
- The Peloponnese
- Continental Greece
- The Cyclades islands
However, the agreement did not include Crete or other important Aegean islands like Samos. These islands had played a big part in the War of Independence and were still controlled by Greeks.
What Happened Next
The Ottoman Empire was forced to accept this protocol. This happened after they lost the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–29 and signed the Treaty of Adrianople.
Soon after, the Great Powers decided that Greece should be completely independent. This full independence was officially recognized in the London Protocol of February 3, 1830.
