1897, Feb. 2. 2001. The Encyclopedia of World History

The Encyclopedia of World History. 2001.


1897, Feb. 2

Cretan insurrection resumed (See 1896–97), supported by the Greek Cretan Committee and the Ethniké Hetairia, an organization designed for the realization of Greek aspirations in Macedonia. The Greek government was forced by public opinion to send ships and troops to Crete (Feb. 10, following the proclamation of union with Greece, Feb. 6). The powers handed in notes to Greece and the Ottoman Empire (March 2) promising autonomy for Crete and demanding withdrawal of the troops on pain of “measures of constraint.” The Greek government rejected the note, and on March 18 the blockade of Crete was proclaimed. The war in Crete went on and led to WAR BETWEEN GREECE AND THE OTTOMANS (April 17). Serbia and Bulgaria were eager to join in the assault on the Ottoman Empire but were deterred by strong warnings from Russia.	1

May 10

The Greeks appealed to the powers, after a series of decisive defeats by the Ottomans. They had first been obliged to recall their troops from Crete and to accept in advance the decisions of the powers. An armistice was arranged (May 19) and a peace settlement reached (Sept. 18). The Cretan question remained open until Nov. 1898, when the powers finally agreed to name Prince George of Greece as governor of the island.	2


The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.