Greek revolution. Their government, however, kept its word. The front page of the newspaper "Providence Patriot»Which was released in New York on 15/8/1821.
Η government However, the words "The front page of the newspaper" Providence Patriot ", which was published in New York on August 15, 1821, hosted a surprise article about the Greek revolution.
The author's name was not mentioned, but the source of the article was the "Charleston Courier" newspaper.
The columnist wrote with intense lyricism about the just struggle of the revolutionaries against the "Turkish despotism".
"The Greek war has all the fruits of evolution and maturity. It is not like the weak stem of neoliberal freedom, which has neither roots nor power, not even the slightest hope for a flower or a fruit. It is deeply rooted in the blood-stained bowels of Turkish despotism. "
The American columnist connects the uprising of the people and the Greek Revolution with its historical roots that come directly from ancient Greece: their very tall body, to honor the saviors of ancient freedom ". The author of the fiery text points out the Christian identity of the insurgents as an element that influences the Europe of the powerful.
"Religion divides opponents and goes beyond the power of reunification.
The Turk, blinded by his rage, strengthens the flame that is about to devour him. And with his atrocities against the Christian church, he increases the appetite of Austria and the Tsar ". The columnist refers to "Neapolitan freedom", ie the failed revolution of 1820 in Italy.
The Neapolitans revolted against the King, but the revolution was suppressed by the forces of the Holy Alliance, which consisted of the empire of Austria, Russia and the Kingdom of Prussia.
Less than 40 days have passed since the publication of the article, when Theodoros Kolokotronis occupied Tripoli on September 23, 1821.
It was the most important military success of the Greeks.
The American philhellenes
The Americans treated with great sympathy any nation trying to gain its independence. After all, not even 50 years had passed since their own successful revolution, in 1776.
The Greek revolution was enthusiastically accepted by the American people more than any other war of independence.
Greece brought with it the ancient Greek culture, which fascinated foreigners and especially the upper classes. The Greeks had realized the sympathy of the Americans and did not leave it unexploited.
On March 25, 1821, Petros Mavromichalis sent a letter to the Secretary of Government and later President, John Quincy Adams, asking for America's help: "Your virtues, Americans, are very close to ours, although they separate us. big sea. We feel closer to you than our neighboring countries and we consider you friends, compatriots and brothers, because you are fair, philanthropic and brave. Do not refuse to help us! "
Mavromichalis was not the only Greek who contacted Americans about the Greek revolution.
Adamantios Korais corresponded with Thomas Jefferson about the Greek revolution, from the time he was ambassador to France in 1785.
Korah's letter from July 1823, wrote: "Help us, lucky Americans. We do not ask for alms, but we give you the opportunity to increase your own good fortune ".
The political background. The fear of Russia
The American government was divided, as in addition to the supporters of the Greek revolution, there were those who did not want to get involved in Europe. They thought that the nearest European powers should help first, which in fact did not seem very willing.
The Americans were afraid of Russia, because they believed that there was a great danger of annexing Greece, as it helped it to become independent from the Ottoman Empire. They did not want to sacrifice money and human lives to strengthen the opposing power. John Quincy Adams, who accepted the letter of Petros Mavromichalis, was also the man who stopped all the efforts of the American government to send aid to Greece. He did not want to disrupt relations with Turkey and considered that supporting the Greek struggle was tantamount to declaring war on Turkey.
In November 1823, Adams persuaded President Monroe, who was ready to send aid. governments as they were. Any aid that America was going to send to Greece would be the result of private mobilizations and not a government mandate.
American volunteers on the side of Greece
The article of August 15 in the newspaper "Providence Patriot" proves the pro-Greek attitude of the American public opinion, for the Greek revolution.
As, of course, the American volunteers who fought in the Greek revolution for liberation prove it. The first volunteer was George Jarvis who traveled to Greece in 1822 and fought until his death in August 1828.
Jarvis became known as Captain George Zervas and inspired many Americans to follow his example.
In 1824 Jonathan Miller arrived in Greece who participated in the Exodus of Messolonghi and praised the courage of the fighters in his texts.
Miller adopted a Greek boy, Loukas, who studied in America and became the first senator of Greek descent.
Perhaps the most famous American philhellene was Dr. Samuel Howe, who founded a hospital in Aegina and a school for the blind in Corinth.
A distant relative of President George Washington, William Washington, fought and died in the Greek revolution in Palamidi.
The letter of Kolokotronis
The support of the Americans weakened over the years, as they watched the internal conflicts of the Greeks, during the Greek revolution.
On July 5, 1826, Kolokotronis wrote a letter published in the American newspapers: "Greece is grateful for the charity of our Christian brothers, who share our struggle and support with their money the war for independence.
Greeks are determined to live or die free and are not afraid to shed their blood or the death of their children and wives.
They are ready to accept death instead of slavery and now, more than ever, they are united against the Turks. Do not stop contributing. You help humanity and do the will of God. "
The article of "Providence Patriot" comes from the private collection of V. Iliopoulos. We thank him for kindly providing the material.
