London Protocol of 1830: What Happened
On 3 February 1830, Britain, France and Russia signed the London Protocol, which declared Greece a fully independent state. Earlier plans had proposed that Greece should be an autonomous state paying tribute to the Ottoman sultan. After the Russian victory in the war of 1828 to 1829 and the Treaty of Adrianople, however, the three powers agreed that Greece should be completely independent, free from any Ottoman control. The protocol made Greece the first new state to be created from the Ottoman Empire and the first to be internationally recognized as independent. The three powers placed Greece under their joint protection. They decided it should be a monarchy, ruled by a king chosen from outside Greece. They first offered the throne to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, but he declined, partly because of the limited borders, and he later became King of the Belgians. The borders set by the protocol were narrow, running from the Aspropotamos River to the Spercheios River, leaving out many Greek-populated areas. They were later expanded by the London Conference of 1832.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the London Protocol of 1830?
The London Protocol, signed on 3 February 1830 by Britain, France and Russia, declared Greece a fully independent state.
Why is 1830 important for Greece?
In 1830, Greece became the first new state created from the Ottoman Empire and the first to be internationally recognized as independent.
What kind of state did the protocol create?
The protocol decided that Greece would be a monarchy under the joint protection of Britain, France and Russia, ruled by a king chosen from outside Greece.
Who was first offered the Greek throne?
The throne was first offered to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, who declined partly because of the limited borders. He later became King of the Belgians.
What were Greece's borders in 1830?
The borders ran from the Aspropotamos River to the Spercheios River, leaving out many Greek-populated areas. They were expanded in 1832.
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