Don Pacifico Affair: What Happened
In 1850, Britain blockaded the port of Piraeus and seized Greek ships in a dispute known as the Don Pacifico Affair. In 1847, during riots in Athens, a mob attacked and looted the house of David Pacifico, a merchant born in Gibraltar, which made him a British subject. The police did not intervene. Pacifico demanded large compensation from the Greek government, which refused. The British foreign secretary, Lord Palmerston, took up the case along with other British claims against Greece. In January 1850, he sent the Royal Navy to blockade the Greek coast and seize Greek merchant ships until the government paid. The blockade caused anger in Greece and alarm among other European powers, especially France and Russia, the other protecting powers of Greece, and the dispute was eventually settled with payment of compensation. In Britain, Palmerston defended his actions in a famous speech in Parliament, declaring that a British subject, like a Roman citizen in ancient times, should be protected by his country anywhere in the world. The affair highlighted how dependent Greece was on the great powers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Don Pacifico Affair?
The Don Pacifico Affair was a 1850 dispute in which Britain blockaded Greek ports and seized ships to force Greece to compensate a British subject, David Pacifico.
Who was David Pacifico?
David Pacifico was a merchant born in Gibraltar, which made him a British subject. His house in Athens was attacked and looted by a mob in 1847.
Why did Britain blockade Greece?
When Greece refused to pay Pacifico's large compensation claims, the British foreign secretary Lord Palmerston sent the Royal Navy to blockade Greek ports.
What was Palmerston's famous speech?
Palmerston defended his actions in Parliament, declaring that a British subject, like a Roman citizen in ancient times, should be protected anywhere in the world.
How did the Don Pacifico Affair end?
The dispute was eventually settled with compensation payments after France and Russia objected. It highlighted how dependent Greece was on the Great Powers.
