Treaty of London (1827): What Happened
On 6 July 1827, Britain, France and Russia signed the Treaty of London, agreeing to intervene in the Greek War of Independence. The three powers had been under growing pressure from public opinion, stirred by the massacres at Chios and the fall of Missolonghi, as well as by the damage the war was causing to Mediterranean trade. They also each had strategic interests. Russia wanted to weaken the Ottoman Empire, while Britain and France wanted to limit Russian influence. The treaty called for an immediate armistice between the Greeks and the Ottomans. It proposed that Greece should become an autonomous state under Ottoman suzerainty, paying tribute to the sultan but governing itself. A secret article stated that if the Ottomans refused, the powers would use their fleets to enforce the armistice and prevent supplies from reaching the Ottoman and Egyptian forces in Greece. The Greeks accepted the armistice, but the Ottoman sultan Mahmud II refused. The allied fleets were sent to Greek waters, which led directly to the naval Battle of Navarino in October 1827.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Treaty of London of 1827?
The Treaty of London, signed on 6 July 1827 by Britain, France and Russia, committed the three powers to intervene in the Greek War of Independence.
Why did the Great Powers sign the Treaty of London?
Public opinion, stirred by Chios and Missolonghi, damage to trade and each power's strategic interests pushed Britain, France and Russia to act.
What did the Treaty of London propose?
It called for an armistice and proposed that Greece become an autonomous state under Ottoman suzerainty, paying tribute but governing itself.
What was the secret article?
A secret article stated that if the Ottomans refused, the powers would use their fleets to enforce the armistice and stop supplies reaching Ottoman forces in Greece.
What happened after the Treaty of London?
The Greeks accepted the armistice, but Sultan Mahmud II refused. The allied fleets were sent to Greek waters, leading to the Battle of Navarino.
