Upheaval in the Balkans: Venizelos and Politics, 1888-1920

Wissenschaftliche Studie , 2014 , 137 Seiten

Geschichte - Sonstiges

Eleutherios Venizelos (1864-1936) is an emblematic figure in the History of Modern Greece, for he is regarded as the champion of parliamentary democracy and of Greek irredentism - in short, a great statesman. Even the 1922 Greek Catastrophe in Asia Minor is ascribed to his political foes, who, were accordingly executed in November 1922. That is why it is a difficult and dangerous task to sort out the truth from the relevant myth.
No amazement is to be expressed by that. In fact, whenever politics and History are intermixed, History suffers at the hands of politics and not politics at the hands of History. Consequently, discovering the truth implies reconsideration of History and perhaps coping with the Future on a basis quite different from the one hitherto. Still, voluntarily or not, this is the very mission of this book.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• FOREWORD
• CHAPTER ONE
  • The Cretan Prelude
• CHAPTER TWO
  • The Maturation of the Wars
• CHAPTER THREE
  • The Balkan Wars
• CHAPTER FOUR
  • The National Divide of the Greeks
• THE AFTERMATH
• BIBLIOGRAPHY

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This book aims to provide a comprehensive account of the political career of Eleftherios Venizelos, a prominent Greek statesman, during the period 1888-1920. It focuses on his role in the tumultuous events that shaped the Balkans during this era, including the Cretan struggle for independence, the Balkan Wars, and the national divide within Greece.

• Venizelos's political rise and his role in Cretan politics
• The Balkan Wars and their impact on Greece
• The national divide within Greece and the Venizelist movement
• Venizelos's foreign policy and his relations with the Great Powers
• The legacy of Venizelos and his impact on modern Greece

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter One, "The Cretan Prelude," examines Venizelos's early political career in Crete, a region under Ottoman rule. It explores his involvement in the Cretan struggle for independence and his rise to prominence as a leader of the Cretan nationalist movement. The chapter highlights Venizelos's political skills, his ability to negotiate with both the Ottoman authorities and the Great Powers, and his commitment to achieving Cretan autonomy.

Chapter Two, "The Maturation of the Wars," delves into the events leading up to the Balkan Wars. It analyzes the growing tensions between the Balkan states and the Ottoman Empire, and Venizelos's efforts to forge a united front among the Balkan nations. The chapter examines Venizelos's diplomatic maneuvering, his role in the formation of the Balkan League, and his preparations for war against the Ottoman Empire.

Chapter Three, "The Balkan Wars," recounts the course of the Balkan Wars, focusing on Venizelos's leadership during this period of conflict. It examines the military campaigns, the strategic decisions made by Venizelos, and the impact of the wars on Greece's territorial expansion. The chapter also explores the challenges faced by Venizelos in managing the aftermath of the wars, including the disputes over the division of conquered territories.

Chapter Four, "The National Divide of the Greeks," explores the political divisions that emerged within Greece during the Balkan Wars and their aftermath. It examines the conflict between Venizelos and King Constantine, the rise of the Venizelist movement, and the political turmoil that engulfed the country. The chapter analyzes the factors that contributed to the national divide, including the issue of neutrality during World War I, and the impact of the division on Greek society.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The keywords and focus themes of the text include Eleftherios Venizelos, Greek politics, Balkan Wars, Cretan independence, national divide, Venizelist movement, foreign policy, Great Powers, and the legacy of Venizelos. The book explores the political career of Venizelos during a period of significant upheaval in the Balkans, examining his role in shaping the destiny of Greece and the region.

• Autor: Dimitris Michalopoulos (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2014
• Seiten: 137
• Katalognummer: V281456
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656757498
• ISBN (Buch): 9783656757504
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: upheaval, balkans, venizelos, politics