British Protectorate of the Ionian Islands: What Happened
In 1815, following the defeat of Napoleon, the Treaty of Paris placed the Ionian Islands under the protection of Great Britain as the United States of the Ionian Islands. The islands had been captured by British forces from France between 1809 and 1814, with Corfu the last to be handed over. In theory, the new state was independent, with its own parliament and senate. In practice, power lay with the British Lord High Commissioner, who controlled the government. The first commissioner, Sir Thomas Maitland, was an authoritarian ruler who earned the nickname King Tom. British rule brought roads, aqueducts, schools and public buildings, as well as cricket, still played in Corfu today, and the Ionian Academy, the first modern Greek university. However, many islanders resented foreign control, especially after Greece became independent. A movement for union with Greece grew steadily, and the Ionian parliament repeatedly voted for it. In 1864, Britain agreed to hand over the islands to Greece as a gesture of goodwill toward the new king, George I.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Britain control the Ionian Islands?
Britain controlled the Ionian Islands as a protectorate from 1815 until 1864, when they were united with Greece.
What was the United States of the Ionian Islands?
It was the official name of the Ionian state under British protection, created by the Treaty of Paris in 1815 with its own parliament and senate.
Who was King Tom?
King Tom was the nickname of Sir Thomas Maitland, the first British Lord High Commissioner, known for his authoritarian rule over the islands.
What did the British leave in the Ionian Islands?
British rule brought roads, aqueducts, schools and public buildings, as well as cricket, still played in Corfu today, and the Ionian Academy, the first modern Greek university.
How did British rule in the Ionian Islands end?
A strong movement for union with Greece grew, and in 1864 Britain handed over the islands as a gesture of goodwill toward the new king, George I.
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