Elefthería i thánatos - A Greece AAR

Jacobi-99 said:

I'm really confused now :/

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You are not supposed to take my posts seriously.

Dimitrios Rallis
(1894 - 1898)​

Dimitrios Rallis (1844 - 1921) is well known as the crisis manager in Greek history.

His term was overshadowed by the Great War, now better known as World War I (see Chapter XIX). Although Greece was not directly involved, the economic shock waves affected the country. Due to the war, the exports to central and western Europe were seriously hampered, what engulfed Greece into a deep recession. During this period tax revenues diminished and unemployment increased. From 1895 to 1897 an emigration wave made at least 25.000 Greeks leave their country, mostly toward the United States of America.

Rallis tried to counter this development with a huge job-creation program, that largely increased the Greek railway network, which even reached the most remote settlements in central Thessaly now. The agricultural sector was subsidized and, in order to compensate the loss of workforce, encouraged to use new chemical fertilizers to maintain stable production. Despite these measures, Greek society passed through a difficult period with occasional riots in the larger cities, such as the "Bread Riot" of 1897 in eastern Thessaly.

Despite, or maybe because, of the desperate economic situation, the Greek cultural landscape experienced a major shift. So far modern influences had been restricted to economics or the academia without affecting broad levels of the population. As of the mid 1890s the people made good for some cultural fashions that had not influenced the Greek society yet. Romantic, Realism and Impressionism attained late honors and especially literature was extremely popular due to a multitude of newly founded public libraries.

During 1898 the general economic situation improved and after the end of World War I the production of the Greek economy reached pre-war levels again. This and the successful crisis management of Rallis led to an outstanding success during the elections of 1898, when 97% of the electorate voted for the Modernist party, which appointed Georgios Theotokis as new Prime Minister.

World War I
(1896 - 1898)​

A. Pre History of the Conflict

The Liberation Wars of 1881 - 1885 led to a reshaping of central Europe and due to it to many major powers developing an antagonism toward the North German Confederation. Austria feared a too strong influence of it within Germany or maybe even a unification of whole Germany. Although it had supported the establishment of the South German Confederation consisting of Bavaria, Baden and Württemberg, it wanted to see a weakened Northern Confederation. Russia did not want to forgive Germany`s role in the separation of Poland from Russia. And France was eager to regain Alsace-Lorraine.

The trigger for the new war was the Congo-Crisis of 1896. In the late 19th century all of Africa was brought under the control of the major colonial powers. In the mid 1890s the only unoccupied territory on the continent was the Congo-region (today`s Republic of the Congo). Italy and the Scandinavian Union both had claims toward the territory.

During the London Conference of 1896 the major powers negotiated for a mutual solution. Italy was early backed by Great Britain and later by the North German Confederation. Scandinavia got support from France, Austria and Russia. Negotiations concerning the African colonies were mixed with suggestions for a redrawing of the European borders, which rendered a solution impossible. On 30th June 1896 the war, that was called the Great War by contemporaries and now World War I in the history books, eventually began.

B. Course of the War

Most commentaries concerning World War I explain, that it lasted surprisingly long. The Alliance of Scandinavia, Austria, Russia and France was further strengthened by Spain and Switzerland. The British Alliance of Great Britain, Italy and Germany was outnumbered from the start.

Despite this fact, the Scandinavian Alliance had to accept several defeats in the early stages of the war, especially in France and Bohemia, where British and German forces outmaneuvered their enemies. But eventually the larger numbers of the Scandinavian Alliance were brought to bear.

For a considerably long time, the German forces could hold their positions by digging trenches and the trench warfare in France is still the most memorable picture when speaking of World War I. But at the turn of the year 1897/8 the German armies had to retreat along all fronts.

Nearly all participating powers had demands toward Germany and the German government was putting out feelers for peace negotiations, as long as it was still in a position to negotiate for favorable conditions. The result was the Treaty of Versailles, which ended the war on 11th October 1898.

C. Aftermath

The immediate result of the war was an incredible loss of human life. The ability to mobilize and supply huge armies and the increased firepower of both infantry and artillery led to casualties, which nobody had foreseen.

Despite these tremendous casualties and the fact, that the war began over Italian claims in Africa, Germany was the country that had to take on the burden of peace, while Great Britain was left unharmed and Italy even gained the contested Congo-territory in exchange for most of its holdings in western Africa, which were transferred to France.

Germany faced territorial claims from four other countries. While those of Russia (East Prussia) and Austria (Silesia) were denied, France gained Alsace-Lorraine. and Scandinavia East Hannover. Additionally Germany had to transfer control of Mecklenburg and Pomerania to a newly founded Kingdom of Prussia.


Furthermore Scandinavia gained control over East Hannover and Germany had to transfer control of Mecklenburg and Pomerania to a newly founded Kingdom of Prussia.

Georgios Theotokis
(1899 - 1903)​

Although Georgios Theotokis (1844 - 1915) is best known for the cultural achievements of his term, he is also the father of the Greek Navy. During a reactionary uprising on his home island Corfu, Theotokis realized that Greece lacked the means to transport an army across the sea. He immediately ordered the building of several transport vessels, with which parts of the Greek Army could be transported to Corfu and restore order. Additionally the size of the Greek Army increased from 21.000 to 27.000 during his term.

Another important, but almost unknown fact is, that Theotokis approved the plans to initiate a first statutory pension. Although these pensions were much smaller than initially planned and restricted to those suffering from disabilities, it was nevertheless the foundation of social welfare in the country.

But usually Theotokis` administration is linked to the Olympic Games. In the second half of the 19th century several ideas to restore the Olympic Games spread across western Europe and Pierre de Coubertin initiated a first Olympic Congress in Paris in 1894. It was decided, that the first modern Games should be held in Paris in 1896 and an International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded to organize the event. At that time Greece was already in economic troubles and the population was not interested in the issue. Nevertheless the Greek government invested a large sum to enter the IOC.

The first Olympic Games were held in Paris in June 1896 and ended one week prior to the beginning of the World War. The second Games were organized in London in 1900. At that time Greece had recovered from the recession and the population took an active interest in the event, especially since the Greek athletes were highly successful. So, when the Greek government made a bid to host the third Games in 1904, the people were extremely supportive.

Besides that Theotokis was personally interested in contemporary culture and wrote several essays on Existentialism, especially the works of Friedrich Nietzsche. This and the other achievements of his term led to an outstanding success during the elections of 1903, when the Modernist Party got 99% of the votes and Theotokis a second term.

blklizard said:

Will these great powers be less interested with crisis after such a bloody war?

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Not really, thats not how the AI "thinks". I mean, they started this thing about the bloody Congo. Since the early 1890s the tension in West Macedonia was, except during that war, almost nonstop at 100, but the major powers always chose other crises.



EDIT:

The good news is, that I am doing well on the prestige-front. Greek culture ftw.

Georgios Theotokis
(1903 - 1907)​

Theotokis` second term was a period of political stability and economic progress, often referred to as the "golden years" in the history of the Greek Kingdom.

In 1904 the III. Olympic Games were held in Athens and proved to be an outstanding success for the Greek athletes as well as the country, which could present itself as a nation with a great history and modern present age. A country technologically and socially on par with the contemporary civilized nations.

Greece adopted immediately some of the most recent inventions of the time, such as the combustion engine and electricity. Due to the former the first tractors were used as of 1906. Additionally the national railroad network experienced another modernization from 1905 to 1907, being the most developed transportation system on the Balkans. But despite these efforts and the introduction of industrial achievements like the assembly line the industrialization of the country did not make nameable progress.

But the thorn in Theodorokis` flesh was the Foreign Policy. During the Olympic Games he had contact with representatives of all major powers and he tried to turn the attention to the numerous Greeks in Macedonia, who were longing to become part of Greece. But neither in 1904 nor the following years he could gain support for this cause.

Instead these years saw two Crises in Eastern Europe. In early 1905 the "Rovne Crisis" could be solved peacefully by maintaining the status quo. More difficult proved to be the "Posen Crisis" of 1906/7. This Crisis was mostly caused by the developments in the North German Confederation since the end of the World War. Since its foundation the Confederation had been ruled by the Prussian King. But after the war the stability of the political institutions deteriorated according to the economic situation. During the "Starving Winter" of 1905 large riots, organized by the communist party, brought down the government and a communist one-party-state was established. Poland tried to take advantage of the situation and claimed the region of Posen for itself. During the Congress of Vienna from December 1906 to April 1907 the new German government eventually had to accept this claim, that got support by all other major powers except Great Britain. As of mid 1907 Posen was polish and East Prussia separated from the rest of Germany.

As a result of the increased nationalism of the late 19th century as well as a reaction to Communism a new political ideology called Fascism appeared, which advocated an ultra-nationalist and militaristic attitude. Although Greece was also affected by this new movement, it remained a minor political faction. During the elections of 1907 the Modernist Party gained 99% of the votes. Theotokis retired from political life as one of the most beloved Greek politicians and was succeeded by Dragoumis.

YES! YES! YES! WE DID IT, BABY!!!

I mean...uhm...update tomorrow

*cough*

Stephanos Dragoumis
(1908 - 1912)​

Stephanos Dragoumis (1842 - 1923) was the antithesis to Theotokis. While the latter had been a good administrator and sophisticated thinker, Dragoumis was a pragmatic and unyielding doer.

The centerpiece of Dragoumis` term was the reformation of the Armed Forces. The Greek Army was increased in size to 36.000 soldiers. But even more important was, that the academic training of the officer corps got improved. In an exchange program Greek officers were sent to France to be educated at the military school of Saint-Cyr. Additionally the equipment of the Armed forces were modernized and Dragoumis approved a major increase in military spending. This was also necessary for other projects. Further transport ships were build, so a whole army could get transported whenever necessary. The military port of Corinth was significantly expanded and although no modern warships were ordered, the logistical foundation for a Greek navy was laid.

The other focus of his term was on Foreign Policy. The major powers still tried to solve emerging Crises peacefully, such as the "2nd Rovne Crisis" of 1908, which was solved by maintaining the status quo, although Russia annexed the region shortly later.

Dragoumis, just like his predecessors, was a staunch defender of Greece`s claim on whole Macedonia and during a state visit in Paris he finally got the promise of French support. From October 1910 to March 1911 the major powers negotiated in Berlin concerning the future of East Macedonia. France, Austria and Russia supported the notion and eventually the Ottoman Empire had to agree to cede the region to Greece.

Greece after the Berlin Conference of 1910/11
(territorial changes highlighted)​

The acquisition of East Macedonia was an outstanding political success, especially since only 25% of the local population were actually Greek, while 60% were Turks and significant minorities of Bulgarians and Jews existed. Although Macedonia, along with Bosnia, belonged to the more developed Ottoman holdings in Europe, Dragoumis immediately approved large investments into the railroad network and border fortifications.

In the first half of 1912, shortly before the end of his term, Thessaly and the Peloponnese were shaken by communist riots and the Army needed until late May, before order was restored. The unexpectedly large uprisings had affected vast territories and the fighting to suppress them had been fierce. According to estimations 40.000 to 50.000 people died during the operations.

Nevertheless the electorate was pleased with Dragoumis` administration and during the elections of 1912 the Modernist Party gained 99% of the votes again. Dragoumis however resigned from his office and was replaced by Venizelos.

It's about time you got Macedonia. I'm assuming you don't have the option to bribe a few foreign government officials much earlier to speed up the process.

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Unfortunately not. I am keeping the tension in West Macedonia high and have top relations to the major powers. I don`t think there is more I can do. My plan is to get West Macedonia by crisis and finally build a navy to occupy Crete before the game ends.

And congratz on winning the Weekly AAR Showcase.

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Eleftherios Venizelos
(1912 - 1916)​

The first term of Eleftherios Venizelos (1864 - 1936) was characterized by constant progress and, to a lesser extent, the impact of World War II.

The main challenge of Venizelos` administration was to integrate East Macedonia into the Greek society. During the recent decades, the Greeks were exposed to western influences and ideas. The general mindset of the population differed from that of the 1830s and a democratic movement gained momentum within the country. East Macedonia had not passed through such a process and especially the traditionalists experienced a culture shock. From January to March 1913 there were unrests due to this, but the Army could restore order without major casualties.

The Greek economy benefited from a constant growth and further technological inventions increased the mining output, especially the production of sulfur on Chios. The proceeding electrification influenced the contemporary industrial production, but despite further efforts, the Greek industry remained a negligibility. As the whole of Europe, Greek suffered from the effects of World War II (see Chapter XXIV), but unlike 15 years before the Greek economy did not experience mass unemployment and emigration despite a lower GDP.

The main influence of the war occurred in cultural terms. Already in the aftermath of World War I and now intensified due to the new conflict a new art movement called Expressionism established itself, which focused more on content than form in order to express subjective emotions. Contrary to previous movements Expressionism addressed rather bleak topics like war, decay, fear or madness.

During the elections of 1916 the Modernist Party gained 100% of the votes and Venizelos was granted a second term.

World War II
(1913 - 1915)​

A. Pre History of the Conflict

On 12th September 1683, after the battle of Kahlenberg, the Ottoman offensive operations in Europe eventually came to an end and a long decline began. During the following decades, Austria could regain large territories previously lost to the Ottomans during the 16th century. Additionally the Russo-Turkish Wars of the 18th and 19th centuries further weakened the Empire. The disasters in the Foreign Policy were made worse by internal struggles and a general lack of political, social and technological reforms. As of the mid 19th century the Ottoman Empire was referred to as the "Sick man of Europe".

In the course of the 19th century, the emerging national movements on the Balkans increased the tensions and while some ethnic groups like the Bulgarians could be kept under control, others like the Greeks and Serbians achieved independence.

In late 1912 the Vienna Conference began, where the European stance toward the Albanian independence movement was to be determined. The Ottoman Empire was supported by Scandinavia, while the Albanians were backed by France. A peaceful solution would have been possible, but the Scandinavian offer, which linked a maintenance of the status quo to a redrawing of the colonial borders in southern Africa, hardened the frontlines.

France could convince Russia and Austria to join the Albanian cause, while Scandinavia found Allies in Great Britain and the North German Confederation. When it became obvious, that a solution was not to be found, France declared war on 10th June 1913.

B. Course of the War

The Ottoman Empire, supported by Great Britain, the Scandinavian Union and the North German Confederation, could also convince the Netherlands to join their side. The opposing Alliance of France, Austria and Russia was reinforced by Italy, Spain and Switzerland.

From the beginning, the French Alliance was in the initiative and the Ottoman Coalition forced into a defensive stance. In January 1914 the European holdings of the Ottoman Empire were almost completely under Austrian control already while Russia had begun a successful offensive from Kars into eastern Turkey. In central Europe Russia had occupied East Prussia. Only in the west the united German and Dutch armies could prevent France from crossing the Rhine while Great Britain threatened northwest France.

The situation for the Ottoman Empire further worsened during the first half of 1914. In April a French offensive finally overcame the German resistance and pushed across the Rhine. Until August the largest part of western Germany was occupied. At the end of 1914 the whole territory of the Ottoman Empire was under enemy control and a Spanish army managed to land in East Anglia and was about to march toward London.

As of December 1914 first peace talks began in Belgium, which was the only neutral European Power in this conflict. The French Alliance made vast claims toward the inferior side, but it took another six months and the occupation of whole England and Scandinavia, before the losing side surrendered on 3rd August 1915.

C. Aftermath

"If you want to know the reason, why this war lasted so long, then don`t look at the armies of the losers but the greed of the winners."

Giuseppe Motta, President of the Swiss Confederation and part of the Anti-Ottoman-Coalition, was a vocal critic during the peace negotiations in Brussels. He had witnessed, how the initial war goal to lead Albania into independence got increasingly amended by territorial claims from Russia, Spain, France and Austria. He advocated a mild peace, but could not prevail.

In the end the Ottoman Empire was the main loser in this conflict. Russia had occupied most of the Asian holdings and it did not want to give back all of it. It gained vast areas in east and central Turkey. Additionally Albania, the apple of discord, was granted independence. Eventually the Ottomans were disarmed and had to pay huge war reparations. The Ottoman Empire, for centuries an important factor of power in the region, was degraded to a meaningless minor country.

The Ottoman Empire after the Peace of Brussels
(territorial changes highlighted)​

The North German Confederation, also being part of the losing Coalition, had to cede the Rhineland to France. Two lost World Wars turned it into a secondary power within world politics.

Territorial losses of the North German Confederation​