Greek WofI

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March 25th, marks the Anniversary of the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829)

Greek Warrior - painting by Carl Haaag

It was the last of a series of attempts made by the Greeks to end nearly four centuries of Ottoman Rule imposed on them after the fall of Constantinople (Istambul) in 1453. On paper, the task seemed impossible as the Greeks were outnumbered and underequipped to match the armies of the Ottoman Empire. However, the decision had been taken to regain their freedom or die in the process.

The war actually started in February 1821 in the Balkan region of Moldavia-Valachia, and soon spread further South and East (reaching up to the island of Cyprus) - but it was soon supressed, the only regions left holding out were those of Roumeli and Peloponnese at the Southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. However, despite their attempts to end the uprising, the Ottoman armies were either destroyed or thrown back. As the war dragged on, the Sultan asked the help of the Egyptians who maintained a large regular Army and Navy. The later, already in Crete since 1824, responded quickly and landed in continental Greece in February 1825.

In the meantime, the rest of the major European Powers (Great Britain, France and Russia) started to change their policy in favour of the Greeks, especially after the end of the legendary siege of Mesologi (April 1825-April 1826). Several hundrend non-Greek Volunteers (including a few from the United States!) honorarily known as "Philhellenes" (Friends of Greeks) had already seen action against the Ottoman troops.

The events that followed led to the Sea Battle of Navarino (October 1827), where a joint Allied naval force achieved an overwhelming victory over the combined Turkish-Egyptian Navy. To further impose their will, the Allies landed a French Expeditionary Force in August 1828. However, it took more fighting to end the war in 1829. Finally, a small Greek Kingdom was established in the southern Balkans under the Treaty of London in 1830.

Greek War of Independence figures from Alphacast

Greek War of Independence 15mm figure range, available from Alphacast.

http://www.geocities.com/Spiroskoumoussis/index

This page was taken from The Miniatures Page site.

The 19th Century rules contain the Army Lists for the Greek War of Independence..

Contact me by clicking here Richard Holling

Contact me by clicking here Richard Holling