Ypsilantis' Revolt in Moldavia: What Happened
In February 1821, Alexandros Ypsilantis, leader of the secret society Filiki Eteria and a general in the Russian army who had lost an arm fighting Napoleon, crossed the Prut River from Russia into Moldavia, then an Ottoman-controlled principality in modern Romania. He issued a proclamation calling on the Greeks and other Balkan peoples to rise up against Ottoman rule, declaring the start of the struggle for freedom. Ypsilantis chose the Danubian principalities because many Greeks held high positions there and because he hoped for support from Russia and from local Romanians. Neither materialized. The Russian Tsar Alexander I, committed to preserving the established order in Europe, condemned the revolt and dismissed Ypsilantis from the Russian army. The Romanian leader Tudor Vladimirescu, who had started his own uprising, clashed with Ypsilantis and was executed by his followers. Ottoman troops entered the principalities, and the revolt was crushed within months. Yet it was not in vain. It signaled the beginning of the Greek War of Independence and helped spark the uprising in the Peloponnese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Alexandros Ypsilantis?
Alexandros Ypsilantis was the leader of the Filiki Eteria and a general in the Russian army who had lost an arm fighting Napoleon. He launched the Greek revolution in 1821.
Where did the Greek Revolution begin?
The first uprising began in February 1821, when Ypsilantis crossed the Prut River from Russia into Moldavia, then an Ottoman-controlled principality in modern Romania.
Why did Ypsilantis start the revolt in Moldavia?
Many Greeks held high positions in the Danubian principalities, and Ypsilantis hoped for support from Russia and the local Romanian population.
Why did the revolt in Moldavia fail?
The Russian Tsar condemned the revolt, the Romanian leader Tudor Vladimirescu clashed with Ypsilantis and was executed, and Ottoman troops crushed the uprising within months.
Why is Ypsilantis' revolt important?
Although it failed, it signaled the beginning of the Greek War of Independence and helped spark the uprising in the Peloponnese in March 1821.
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