Election of Ioannis Kapodistrias: What Happened
In April 1827, the Third National Assembly at Troezen elected Ioannis Kapodistrias as governor of Greece for a term of seven years. Kapodistrias was born in 1776 into a noble family on Corfu. He had served as a leading official of the Septinsular Republic and then entered the Russian diplomatic service, rising to become joint foreign minister of Russia under Tsar Alexander I. He was one of the most respected diplomats in Europe, having played an important role at the Congress of Vienna, and he had also helped secure Swiss independence and neutrality. The Greeks hoped his prestige and experience would unite their divided factions and win the support of the European powers. Kapodistrias accepted and arrived in Greece in January 1828, landing at Nafplio before settling the government at Aegina. He found the country devastated by years of war, with no functioning administration, empty treasury, destroyed farms and widespread poverty. He became the first head of state of modern Greece and set about building the institutions of a new nation, though his authoritarian methods caused opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ioannis Kapodistrias?
Ioannis Kapodistrias was a Corfiot diplomat who served as Russia's joint foreign minister and became the first governor of independent Greece in 1828.
When was Kapodistrias elected?
Kapodistrias was elected governor of Greece by the Third National Assembly at Troezen in April 1827, for a term of seven years.
Why did the Greeks choose Kapodistrias?
He was one of the most respected diplomats in Europe, and the Greeks hoped his prestige would unite their divided factions and win foreign support.
When did Kapodistrias arrive in Greece?
Kapodistrias arrived in Greece in January 1828, landing at Nafplio before setting up his government on the island of Aegina.
What did Kapodistrias achieve?
He built a functioning state, organizing an army, administration, schools and agriculture, including promoting the potato. His authoritarian methods, however, caused opposition.
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