Treaty of London (1827) facts for kids
The Treaty of London was an important agreement signed on July 6, 1827. Three major European powers – Great Britain, France, and Russia – signed it.
These three countries wanted Greece and the Ottoman Empire to stop fighting. The Greeks had started a revolt against Ottoman rule on March 17, 1821. After several years of talks, the European allies decided to help the Greeks.
The main goal of the treaty was to help create an independent Greek state. It said that the Ottoman Empire would recognize Greece's independence. However, the Ottoman Sultan would still be the supreme ruler of Greece, and Greece would pay tribute (a kind of payment) to the Ottomans.
The treaty also stated that the three allies wanted to help the Greeks and Ottomans find a peaceful solution. If the Sultan refused to talk and kept fighting, the allies would form a partnership with the Greeks through trade. They also agreed to use force if needed to make sure the fighting stopped.
The Ottoman Empire did not accept the treaty. They believed their navy was strong enough to win the war.
Because of this refusal, the Treaty of London allowed the three European powers to step in and help the Greeks. On October 20, 1827, a big naval battle happened at Navarino. The allied forces completely defeated the combined Ottoman and Egyptian fleets. This huge victory effectively led to Greece becoming an independent country.
Russia and the Treaty of Adrianople
The Treaty of London also included a promise from Russia. Russia agreed not to take land from Turkey or gain special trade benefits from Turkey if they ever went to war.
However, a war between Russia and Turkey did break out in June 1828. Russian troops crossed the Danube River into an area controlled by the Ottomans. This war is known as the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829.
The war ended with the Treaty of Adrianople (1829), signed by Russia and Turkey on September 14, 1829. This treaty officially recognized Greece's independence. Turkey also had to give Russia some land, including the Danube Delta and parts of the Black Sea coast.
Because of these new land changes and other parts of the treaty, Britain and other European countries felt that Russia had broken its promises from the 1827 Treaty of London.
See also
- List of treaties
- Treaties of London
