Kingdom of Greece: Building a Modern Nation
From King Otto's arrival in 1833 to the Balkan Wars, the young Greek kingdom fought to grow and modernize. Discover how Greece expanded, changed capitals and hosted the first modern Olympics.
Key Events of the Kingdom of Greece
The Story of the Kingdom of Greece
After independence, Greece became a kingdom under foreign-born monarchs. In 1833, the young Bavarian prince Otto arrived as the first king, and the capital moved from Nafplio to Athens in 1834. A revolution in 1843 forced Otto to grant a constitution, and he was overthrown in 1862. His successor, the Danish prince George I, reigned for nearly 50 years, as Britain handed over the Ionian Islands in 1864 and Greece gained Thessaly in 1881. Throughout the period, Greeks pursued the Megali Idea, the dream of uniting all Greeks in one state, while uprisings in Crete and the struggle for Macedonia kept the question alive. The country modernized with railways, the Corinth Canal and the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, but it also faced bankruptcy and defeat by the Ottomans in 1897. After the Goudi coup of 1909, Eleftherios Venizelos led Greece to victory in the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913, greatly expanding its territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first king of modern Greece?
Otto of Bavaria became the first king of Greece in 1833, at the age of 17. He was overthrown in 1862 and replaced by George I, a Danish prince.
What was the main political goal of the Greek kingdom?
The Megali Idea, or Great Idea, was the goal of uniting all Greek-inhabited lands into one Greek state, with Constantinople as its capital. It shaped Greek politics for decades.
How did Greece expand in the 19th century?
Greece gained the Ionian Islands in 1864 and Thessaly in 1881. The Balkan Wars of 1912 and 1913 added Macedonia, Epirus, Crete and the eastern Aegean islands.
Why did the Greek capital move to Athens?
Athens became the capital in 1834, replacing Nafplio. At the time it was a small town, and it was rebuilt with neoclassical buildings around its ancient monuments.
Which leader shaped Greece in the early 20th century?
Venizelos was a Cretan politician who became prime minister in 1910. He modernized Greece, led it through the Balkan Wars and is seen as one of its greatest statesmen.
Explore Other Eras of Greek History
