Greco-Turkish War of 1897: What Happened
In April and May 1897, Greece fought a brief and disastrous war against the Ottoman Empire, sometimes called the Thirty Days' War. The conflict grew out of a new uprising on Crete, where Christians were again fighting for union with Greece. In February 1897, Greece sent troops to Crete, and nationalist groups pushed for war. Greek irregular forces crossed the border into Ottoman Macedonia, and the Ottoman Empire declared war in April. The Greek army, led by Crown Prince Constantine, was poorly prepared, poorly equipped and outnumbered by a larger Ottoman army, commanded by Edhem Pasha, which had been reorganized with the help of German officers. The Ottomans quickly defeated the Greeks in Thessaly, capturing Larissa and advancing south, while fighting in Epirus also went badly for Greece. The great powers intervened to stop the war, and an armistice was signed in May. Greece lost small areas along its northern border and had to pay a large war indemnity. An International Financial Commission was created to control part of Greek finances. However, the war led to autonomy for Crete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Greco-Turkish War of 1897?
The Greco-Turkish War of 1897, also called the Thirty Days' War, was a brief war between Greece and the Ottoman Empire that ended in Greek defeat.
What caused the Greco-Turkish War of 1897?
The war grew out of an uprising on Crete, where Christians sought union with Greece. Greece sent troops to Crete, and nationalist pressure pushed toward war.
Why did Greece lose the 1897 war?
The Greek army was poorly prepared and outnumbered by an Ottoman army reorganized with German help. The Ottomans quickly defeated the Greeks in Thessaly.
What were the results of the 1897 war?
Greece lost small border areas, paid a large indemnity and accepted an International Financial Commission to control part of its finances.
Did anything good come from the 1897 war?
Yes. The Great Powers intervened in Crete afterward, leading to its autonomy in 1898 as the Cretan State, a step toward union with Greece.
