Occupation of Piraeus in the Crimean War: What Happened
From 1854 to 1857, British and French troops occupied Piraeus, the port of Athens, during the Crimean War. The war began in 1853 between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, and Britain and France joined on the Ottoman side in 1854 to stop Russian expansion. Many Greeks saw the conflict as a chance to expand their small kingdom and free Greek populations still under Ottoman rule, in keeping with the Megali Idea, the dream of uniting all Greeks in one state. With the support of King Otto and his government, Greek irregular fighters crossed the border into Ottoman Thessaly and Epirus to spark uprisings. Britain and France, allied with the Ottomans, responded by sending a fleet and troops to Piraeus in May 1854 to force Greece to remain neutral. Under this pressure, Otto was forced to call off the operations and appoint a government acceptable to the two powers. The occupation humiliated Greece and damaged Otto's popularity. A cholera epidemic, spread in part by the occupying troops, also struck Athens and Piraeus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Britain and France occupy Piraeus?
In 1854, during the Crimean War, Britain and France occupied Piraeus to force Greece to stay neutral and stop it from attacking the Ottoman Empire.
What was Greece trying to do during the Crimean War?
Inspired by the Megali Idea, Greek irregular fighters crossed into Ottoman Thessaly and Epirus to spark uprisings, with the support of King Otto.
What was the Megali Idea?
The Megali Idea, meaning Great Idea, was the goal of uniting all Greek-populated lands, including Constantinople, in one Greek state.
How long did the occupation of Piraeus last?
British and French troops occupied Piraeus from May 1854 until 1857, well after the Crimean War itself had ended in 1856.
How did the occupation affect Greece?
The occupation humiliated Greece and damaged King Otto's popularity. A cholera epidemic, partly spread by the troops, also struck Athens and Piraeus.
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